Passage (Literature)

The old lighthouse stood alone at the edge of the cliff, its white paint peeling like dry skin. Each evening the keeper climbed the spiral stairs, though no ship had passed in years. He told himself the light still mattered, that somewhere beyond the fog a sailor might need it. The sea answered only with the slow, patient sound of waves.

Question

What does the keeper's behaviour suggest about him?

Options

• (A) He does not realise that ships no longer pass.
• (B) He holds on to a sense of duty and hope.
• (C) He wants to leave his job.
• (D) He resents the sailors.

Answer

(B) He holds on to a sense of duty and hope.

Solution

1. The passage says no ship has passed in years, so the keeper must know the light is rarely needed. This rules out option A.
2. He still climbs the stairs every evening and tells himself the light matters, which shows duty and hope.
3. Nothing in the passage suggests that he wants to leave or resents sailors.