adapted from Dead Souls
by Nikolai Gogol
For several minutes Plushkin stood mute, while Chichikov
remained so dazed with the appearance of the host and
everything else in the room, that he too, could not begin a
conversation, but stood wondering how best to find words in
which to explain the object of his visit. For a while he thought of
expressing himself to the effect that, having heard so much of his
host's benevolence and other rare qualities of spirit, he had
considered it his duty to come and pay a tribute of respect; but
presently even HE came to the conclusion that this would be
overdoing the thing, and, after another glance round the room,
decided that the phrase "benevolence and other rare qualities of
spirit" might to advantage give place to "economy and genius for
method."
Accordingly, the speech mentally composed, he said aloud
that, having heard of Plushkin's talents for thrifty and systematic
management, he had considered himself bound to make the
acquaintance of his host, and to present him with his personal
compliments.
37
Select the correct answer.
What does the setting reveal about the time period of the text?
O A. People use technology to communicate.
O B.
Causal conversation is common.
O c.
Personal expression is dangerous.
O D.
People often use formal language.
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