Question

What was the 'only' thing that prevented the writer from losing her sanity?

• A. Tests that promised recovery
• B. The winter sun and the laughing of a child
• C. A solitary pigeon on the skylight
• D. The warmth of old bones

Hint:

Pay close attention to absolute words like "only," "always," "never," or "all" in both the passage and the question. They are often crucial in narrowing down the correct answer and distinguishing it from other plausible but less precise options.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the specific thing that the writer credits with saving her sanity during her time in the nursing home. The use of the word 'only' is a key detail.

Step 2: Analyzing the Passage:
The passage states, "The only thing that prevented me from running into the street and shouting for help, was that pigeon in the skylight." It further adds, "I owe my sanity to that pigeon." While the writer later mentions other "consolations" like the winter sun and a child's laughter, these are presented as things she is "reminded of" later. During the specific crisis in the nursing home, the pigeon was the "only thing."

Step 3: Final Answer:
Based on the explicit statement in the passage, the solitary pigeon was the 'only' thing that prevented the writer from losing her sanity. Option (C) is correct.