Question

In the context of the passage, the author's use of the phrase "her light step flying to keep time with his long stride" ( lines 65323- 90116) is primarily meant to convey the idea that ___________.

• A. Ethan and Mattie share a powerful enthusiasm
• B. Mattie strives to match the speed at which Ethan woks
• C. Mattie and Ethan playfully compete with each other
• D. Ethan walks at a pace that frustrates Mattie

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Ethan and Mattie share a powerful enthusiasm

Option A is the correct answer. The author uses the phrase mainly to introduce a topic discussed at length in the second paragraph — namely, the growing connection Ethan sees himself forming with Mattie over the course of many evening walks during which they share similar feelings for the wonders of the natural world. In the context of the passage, the phrase evokes an image of two people walking eagerly and in harmony.

Option B is incorrect because while the phrase literally conveys Mattie’s attempts to keep up with Ethan’s pace, the phrase relates to times of leisure during which Ethan and Mattie walked arm-in-arm rather than times of work. Moreover, the phrase is used primarily in a figurative way to suggest shared enthusiasm as is explained before.

Option C is incorrect because while the phrase literally describes Mattie’s attempts to keep up with Ethan’s pace, the context makes clear that Mattie and Ethan are not in competition with each other; instead, they are enjoying times of leisure during which the two walk arm-in-arm. Moreover, the phrase is used primarily in a figurative way to suggest shared enthusiasm.

Option D is incorrect because while the phrase could in isolation be read as conveying some frustration on the part of Mattie, who had to expend extra effort to keep up with Ethan’s pace, the context makes clear that Mattie is not annoyed with Ethan but is instead enjoying times of leisure during which the two walk arm-in-arm.