Themes in The Great Fire

Question 1 • 2025/26 IGC-English II - Prescriptive

Which excerpt from The Great Fire reflects the theme that people inspired others to help restore the city?

Answer

“He discovered a number of workers from the editorial and composing rooms still in the building. A few were rushing to get out a special edition about the fire, while the rest were on the roof hosing it down with water.”

"He had taken a dray, but was unable to load all of his goods into the vehicle, so he employed half a dozen boys, gave each of them a coffin, took a large one himself, and headed the weird procession.”

“As the days crept by, more and more people shook off their despondency and began to rebuild their homes and businesses. The energy to start all over seemed to be catching.”

“With the danger lessened, White did not experience the terror or panic that others did. ‘. . . Everybody was good-natured and polite.’”

Explanation

Choice C describes people overcoming discouragement and beginning to rebuild their homes and businesses. It also says their energy to start over was “catching,” showing that their determination inspired others to help restore the city. The other excerpts focus on fighting the fire, moving belongings, or people’s behavior during the danger.

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