7. The correct answer is (D). The meaning of the phrase “oblivious enmity” is not apparent from the
two words themselves. Indeed, oblivious and enmity seem almost to contradict each other. Oblivious
means unaware, and enmity means hate. But how could one hate what one is unaware of? In the
context of the poem, however, the idea of enmity is intended to echo the idea of destruction; and when
coupled with oblivious, the result is the idea of a mindless or uncaring destruction. The best available
interpretation of this notion is provided by (D); time has no conscious hatred of statues and monu-
ments, but nonetheless they eventually are destroyed.
8. The correct answer is (B). Central to the main idea of the poem is the contrast between the imper-
manence of what we ordinarily might consider permanent (statues and monuments) and the real
permanence of the ideas expressed in the poem. Thus, the poet has selected marble because it sug-
gests a substance of enduring quality (though the poet says it really does not endure).
9. The correct answer is (A). Although you are not expected to recognize the selection, it was written
by Mark Twain. And, as you might expect, its main point is humor. At several points the tongue-in-
cheek tone is evident: the exaggeration in the first paragraph (has the author really seen this particular
phrase in print several thousand times?), the comparison of the guide to the parrot in the third para-
graph, and the contrast between the sublimity of the exhibits described by the guide and the indiffer-
ence of the author, also in the third paragraph.
10. The correct answer is (C). As noted in the explanation for question 9, the device used to achieve
the humorous effect of the first paragraph is overstatement or exaggeration.
11. The correct answer is (B). In the second paragraph, the author states that he wishes he could get
even with his guide for the fact that he really needs his services. In the third paragraph, the author
explains how he accomplishes this. The guide, according to the author, expects that his tourist will be
suitably impressed by the exhibits he is shown and that the tourist will manifest his approval. By
suppressing the natural tendency to show approval, the author frustrates the guide’s expectations.
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