The following text is from Joseph Conrad's 1907 novel The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale. Mr. Verloc is navigating the...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is from Joseph Conrad's 1907 novel The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale. Mr. Verloc is navigating the London streets on his way to a meeting. Before reaching Knightsbridge, Mr. Verloc took a turn to the left out of the busy main thoroughfare, uproarious with the traffic of swaying omnibuses and trotting vans, in the almost silent, swift flow of hansoms [horse-drawn carriages]. Under his hat, worn with a slight backward tilt, his hair had been carefully brushed into respectful sleekness; for his business was with an Embassy. And Mr. Verloc, steady like a rock-a soft kind of rock-marched now along a street which could with every propriety be described as private.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined phrase in the text as a whole?
It qualifies an earlier description of Mr. Verloc.
It emphasizes an internal struggle Mr. Verloc experiences.
It contrasts Mr. Verloc with his surroundings.
It reveals a private opinion Mr. Verloc holds.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Before reaching Knightsbridge, Mr. Verloc took a turn to the left out of the busy main thoroughfare, uproarious with the traffic of swaying omnibuses and trotting vans, in the almost silent, swift flow of hansoms [horse-drawn carriages]. |
|
| Under his hat, worn with a slight backward tilt, his hair had been carefully brushed into respectful sleekness; |
|
| for his business was with an Embassy. |
|
| And Mr. Verloc, steady like a rock—a soft kind of rock—marched now along a street which could with every propriety be described as private. |
|
Main Point: Mr. Verloc carefully prepares himself and moves through London streets toward an Embassy meeting, presented as both steady and gentle in character.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The function of the specific underlined phrase 'a soft kind of rock' within the text as a whole.
What type of answer do we need? How this phrase works structurally or purposefully in relation to the rest of the text.
Any limiting keywords? Function within the text as a whole.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The phrase 'a soft kind of rock' comes immediately after 'steady like a rock'
- This creates a specific relationship - first we get the comparison to a rock (suggesting firmness, reliability), then we get an immediate modification or refinement of that comparison (suggesting gentleness, not hardness)
- The phrase modifies the rock comparison that immediately precedes it
It qualifies an earlier description of Mr. Verloc.
- The phrase directly modifies the 'steady like a rock' description that comes right before it
- It takes the rock comparison and adds nuance - not just any rock, but specifically a 'soft' kind
It emphasizes an internal struggle Mr. Verloc experiences.
- Nothing in the text suggests Mr. Verloc is experiencing internal conflict or struggle
- The phrase describes his character trait, not an internal battle
It contrasts Mr. Verloc with his surroundings.
- The phrase describes Mr. Verloc himself, not how he differs from his environment
- The contrast in the passage is between the busy and quiet streets, not between Mr. Verloc and his surroundings
It reveals a private opinion Mr. Verloc holds.
- This isn't Mr. Verloc's private thought or opinion - it's the narrator's characterization
- The phrase appears in narrative description, not in reported thoughts or internal perspective