The following text is adapted from Herman Melville's 1855 novel Israel Potter. Israel is a young man wandering through New...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from Herman Melville's 1855 novel Israel Potter. Israel is a young man wandering through New England during the late eighteenth century.
He hired himself out for three months; at the end of that time to receive for his wages two hundred acres of land lying in New Hampshire. [...] His employer proving false to the contract in the matter of the land, and there being no law in the country to force him to fulfil it, Israel—who, however brave-hearted, and even much of a dare-devil upon a pinch, seems nevertheless to have evinced, throughout many parts of his career, a singular patience and mildness—was obliged to look round for other means of livelihood than clearing out a farm for himself in the wilderness.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
It implies that Israel treasures a particular characteristic of his personality when that characteristic should usually be regarded as a flaw.
It suggests that if not for a certain aspect of his character, Israel might not have been as easily thwarted in his ambition to establish a farm.
It shows why Israel would not have been able to undertake the enormous amount of labor necessary to run a farm even if he had owned the necessary property.
It explains why, when the situation requires it, Israel is able to undertake courageous acts that others would generally avoid.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'He hired himself out for three months; at the end of that time to receive for his wages two hundred acres of land lying in New Hampshire.' |
|
| 'His employer proving false to the contract in the matter of the land, and there being no law in the country to force him to fulfil it,' |
|
| 'Israel—who, however brave-hearted, and even much of a dare-devil upon a pinch, seems nevertheless to have evinced, throughout many parts of his career, a singular patience and mildness—' |
|
| 'was obliged to look round for other means of livelihood than clearing out a farm for himself in the wilderness.' |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Israel's patient and mild character prevented him from fighting for what he was owed, forcing him to abandon his farming ambitions.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Israel's work agreement for land, then reveals how the employer broke the contract without legal consequences. It then provides crucial insight into Israel's character—brave when necessary but generally patient and mild—which explains why he simply accepted this setback and looked for other work instead of fighting for his rights.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The function of the underlined portion (Israel's character description) within the broader text
What type of answer do we need? How this character description serves the passage's overall purpose or meaning
Any limiting keywords? 'underlined portion' focuses us specifically on the character traits, and 'in the text as a whole' means we need to consider its role in the complete narrative
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The underlined portion describes Israel's character—specifically that despite being brave when needed, he generally shows patience and mildness throughout his career
- This character insight comes right after we learn his employer cheated him and there was no legal way to force compliance
- The timing suggests this character description explains why Israel didn't fight harder for what he was owed
- His patient and mild nature made him accept the setback rather than pursue more aggressive options
- So the right answer should explain how Israel's patient/mild character traits contributed to him being unable to secure his land deal and having to abandon his farming plans
It implies that Israel treasures a particular characteristic of his personality when that characteristic should usually be regarded as a flaw.
- Claims Israel 'treasures' his patience/mildness and suggests these traits 'should usually be regarded as a flaw'
- Wrong because the passage doesn't indicate Israel treasures these qualities or that they're generally character flaws
It suggests that if not for a certain aspect of his character, Israel might not have been as easily thwarted in his ambition to establish a farm.
- Suggests that without this character aspect, Israel might not have been 'easily thwarted' in his farming ambition
- Perfectly matches our prethinking—his patience and mildness made him unable to fight the broken contract effectively
It shows why Israel would not have been able to undertake the enormous amount of labor necessary to run a farm even if he had owned the necessary property.
- Claims it shows why Israel couldn't handle the 'enormous amount of labor necessary to run a farm'
- Wrong focus—the passage isn't about his physical capacity for farm work
It explains why, when the situation requires it, Israel is able to undertake courageous acts that others would generally avoid.
- Says it explains why Israel can undertake 'courageous acts that others would generally avoid'
- Misses the point—the function here isn't to explain his courage but to explain his passive response to being cheated