ACT Reading 2.4 Prose Fiction
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ACT Reading 2.4 Prose Fiction. Based on its context in the passage, which of the following is the best definition for the word "impunity"?
| ACT Reading | Meanings of Words From Context Prose Fiction |
| English I EOC Assessment | Diction and Imagery |
| Foreign Language | Arabic Subtitled Chinese Subtitled Korean Subtitled Spanish Subtitled |
| Language | English Language |
| Product Type | ACT Reading |
| Reading | Meaning of Words from Context |
Transcript
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...