ACT Reading 2.4 Prose Fiction

When the narrator tells us, "A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its

redresser," he's saying that if you get caught carrying out revenge...

...then it doesn't count. So, basically, this guy thinks revenge is only successful

if you get away with it.

Now, all we have to do is find the answer that matches this idea.

"Humility" is when somebody has a modest or low opinion of his or her self.

Not only does this not fit the definition for which we're looking, it doesn't describe

our narrator's ego- maniacal, revenge-obsessed personality.

Choice (C) is the first on the chopping block. There's no doubt our narrator is enthusiastic

about revenge.

But choice (B) doesn't mention anything about escaping punishment, so it can be eliminated.

The narrator would most likely agree that revenge should be carried out "with awareness

and strong intention."

This guy thinks revenge is something where... you've got to bring your A-game.

Again, though, this choice doesn't match the definition we're looking for, making

(D) a no-go. (A) fits the context to a tee. Seeing the

word "punishment" even reminds us that the prefix "im" usually means "not."

Having that in front of "punity," which looks a lot like "punishment," gives us

a hint that "impunity" translates to "not punished."

Why didn't we think of that before? Guess we're just not as enthusiastic about revenge

as our narrator...