THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (B). CHOICE (A) IS INCORRECT BECAUSEGOUT IS...

50.

The correct answer is (B). Choice (A) is incorrect because

Gout is not misinterpreting Franklin the character’s actions; in

fact, Franklin agrees with Gout. The topic is serious—Franklin

the character agrees with Gout—so Franklin the author’s

purpose is more than to write some lighthearted prose, choice

(E). Choice (C) is inaccurate because the motives are clearly

developed. The dialogue is developed in such a way as to make

Gout’s argument more persuasive, thus eliminating choice (D) as

illogical. The use of dialogue permits Franklin to focus on Gout’s

comments and easily refute Franklin the character’s defense.