What effect does word choice have on the meaning of this excerpt from Benjamin Franklin's "A Witch Trial at Mount Holly"? both Accused and Accusers being stripped (saving only to the Women their Shifts) were bound Hand and Foot, and severally placed in the Water, lengthways, from the Side of a Barge or Flat, having for Security only a Rope about the Middle of each, which was held by some in the Flat.

(a) - The phrase "only a Rope" highlights the lack of technology in Franklin's time.

(b) - The phrase "both Accused and Accusers being stripped" clarifies that the accused were unfairly treated.

(c) - The phrase "held by some" shows that the villagers cooperated together.

(d) - The phrase "bound Hand and Foot" emphasizes the seriousness of the danger.

Question

English

Aaron Henderson

15 March, 13:59

What effect does word choice have on the meaning of this excerpt from Benjamin Franklin's "A Witch Trial at Mount Holly"? both Accused and Accusers being stripped (saving only to the Women their Shifts) were bound Hand and Foot, and severally placed in the Water, lengthways, from the Side of a Barge or Flat, having for Security only a Rope about the Middle of each, which was held by some in the Flat.

(a) - The phrase "only a Rope" highlights the lack of technology in Franklin's time.

(b) - The phrase "both Accused and Accusers being stripped" clarifies that the accused were unfairly treated.

(c) - The phrase "held by some" shows that the villagers cooperated together.

(d) - The phrase "bound Hand and Foot" emphasizes the seriousness of the danger.

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Answers (1)

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Freddy · Answer 1

(b) - The phrase "both Accused and Accusers being stripped" clarifies that the accused were unfairly treated.

Explanation:

The excerpt from Benjamin Franklin's "A Witch Trial at Mount Holly" as the title suggests, focuses on the tormented state of the accused ("bound head and foot"). Thus, the phrase that best delivers and compliments the meaning of the excerpt is option B as it clearly reflects the central idea of the excerpt that aims to focus on unfair treatment with accused while the other options fail to do so. It evidently displays the essence of the excerpt. Therefore, the correct answer is option B.