28. At last she cut her thread and suddenly put her darning down, saying emphatically: 'William, I don't think it would hurt you to let the boys go to the circus in town tomorrow.' How would replacing the word 'emphatically' with the word 'contentiously' affect the meaning of the sentences?
Answer: D
Replacing 'emphatically' with 'contentiously' would suggest that Hester is trying to start an argument rather than simply being opinionated.
Using the word 'contentiously' would imply that Hester is not just expressing her opinion but is also provoking conflict or disagreement, which shifts the tone of her statement significantly.
A) It would emphasize the previous descriptions of Hester as quick to provide unsolicited advice
While this option highlights Hester's tendency to give advice, it does not accurately reflect how the replacement word alters the meaning. 'Contentiously' does not merely emphasize her unsolicited nature; it suggests a more combative approach.
B) It would imply that Hester knows she is losing the argument and has run out of options other than shouting
This interpretation is inaccurate because 'contentiously' does not necessarily indicate that Hester is aware of losing an argument or is resorting to shouting. Instead, it conveys a sense of starting an argument, which is different from admitting defeat.
C) It would clarify that being direct and forceful are the main ways Hester persuades people to listen to her ideas
Although Hester is indeed direct, the term 'contentiously' introduces a combative tone rather than just a forceful one. Therefore, this choice fails to capture the shift in meaning brought by the replacement word.
D) It would suggest that Hester is trying to start an argument rather than simply being opinionated
This option accurately reflects how the replacement of 'emphatically' with 'contentiously' changes Hester's intention. It indicates that her approach is not merely assertive but also confrontational, which is a significant alteration in the context of the conversation.
Conclusion
Replacing 'emphatically' with 'contentiously' fundamentally changes the meaning of Hester's statement by suggesting an argumentative intent rather than just a strong opinion. This shift underscores Hester's character as someone who might provoke rather than persuade, which distinguishes her approach in the narrative from merely being assertive to being confrontational. All other options fail to capture this critical nuance in her manner of communication.