In which tale does a man buy a slave to have his cousin teach her?

In which tale does a man buy a slave to have his cousin teach her?

• A. Topsy
• B. The Great Carbuncle
• C. The Open Boat
• D. The Innocents Abroad

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is recognizing a plot detail tied to a specific character in a classic American tale. The scenario of a man buying a slave so his cousin can teach her is tied to the story about Topsy. Topsy is the enslaved girl involved in that household-education dynamic, a detail that sets this tale apart from the others listed. The other works are not about slavery or teaching enslaved people in this way—the Great Carbuncle centers on greed and a gem, The Open Boat follows shipwreck survivors, and The Innocents Abroad is a travel satire. So, the tale featuring this plot element is the one about Topsy.

The idea being tested is recognizing a plot detail tied to a specific character in a classic American tale. The scenario of a man buying a slave so his cousin can teach her is tied to the story about Topsy. Topsy is the enslaved girl involved in that household-education dynamic, a detail that sets this tale apart from the others listed. The other works are not about slavery or teaching enslaved people in this way—the Great Carbuncle centers on greed and a gem, The Open Boat follows shipwreck survivors, and The Innocents Abroad is a travel satire. So, the tale featuring this plot element is the one about Topsy.