Questions: Read the following excerpt from John Gardner's Grende: Being young, unable to face these things, I would bawl and hurl myself at my mother and she would reach out her claws and seize me, though I could see I alarmed her (I had teeth like a saw), and she would smash me to her as if to make me a part of her flesh again. After that, comforted, I would gradually ease back out into my games (17). Which phrase from this excerpt most clearly evokes empathy for Grendel? A. alarmed her B. part of her flesh C. reach out her claws D. bawl and hurl

The answer is D: "bawl and hurl."

Explanation for each option:

A. "alarmed her" – This phrase describes the mother's reaction to Grendel's behavior, indicating her fear or concern. While it provides insight into the mother's feelings, it does not directly evoke empathy for Grendel.

B. "part of her flesh" – This phrase suggests a deep, almost primal connection between Grendel and his mother, indicating a desire for closeness and comfort. However, it does not specifically highlight Grendel's emotional state in a way that evokes empathy.

C. "reach out her claws" – This phrase describes the mother's physical action of reaching out to Grendel. It emphasizes the physicality of their interaction but does not directly evoke empathy for Grendel's emotional experience.

D. "bawl and hurl" – This phrase most clearly evokes empathy for Grendel because it vividly describes his emotional distress and desperation. The words "bawl" and "hurl" convey a sense of intense, uncontrollable emotion, making it easier for readers to empathize with Grendel's feelings of fear and need for comfort.