Question

What does debt mean to a sensible person?

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks for the meaning of debt to a sensible person, based on the provided passage.
Step 2: Locating the Information in the Passage
We need to find the part of the passage that describes the state of a person in debt, specifically a "sensible" one. The passage states, "To one that is not insensible, a state of debt is a state of positive misery".
Step 3: Formulating the Answer
The phrase "not insensible" is synonymous with "sensible".
Therefore, according to the passage, debt for a sensible person is a state of "positive misery".
Step 4: Final Answer
The passage explicitly defines the state of debt for a sensible person as a state of positive misery.

Answer 2

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks if "mere words of mouth" are sufficient to convey the full meaning of the "danger" associated with debt, according to the passage.
Step 2: Analyzing the Passage
The passage begins by stating that the proverb "Out of debt, out of danger" is wise, but then it qualifies this statement.
It says, "...but the word 'danger' does not sufficiently express all that the warning demands."
Later, it adds, "But as example is at all times more instructive than mere words of mouth...".
Step 3: Synthesizing the Answer
The passage clearly states that the word 'danger' is insufficient.
It then contrasts "mere words of mouth" with a real "example" (from a living writer), stating that the example is "more instructive".
This implies that words alone are not enough to convey the true gravity of the situation.
Step 4: Final Answer
The passage argues that personal examples are more effective than just words, indicating that mere words of mouth are not enough to express the full danger of debt.

Answer 3

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks to describe the mental state of someone who is in debt, based on the text.
Step 2: Identifying Descriptive Phrases
The passage uses vivid imagery to describe the feelings of a debtor.
Key phrases are:
- "...a state of positive misery".
- "...the sufferer is as one haunted by an evil spirit".
- "...and his heart can know neither rest nor peace till it is cast out".
Step 3: Combining the Information
By combining these descriptions, we get a complete picture of the debtor's state of mind. It is a state of constant torment, anxiety, and misery, lacking any peace.
Step 4: Final Answer
The passage describes the state of mind of a person in debt as one of active suffering, feeling haunted and unable to find peace or rest.

Answer 4

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks for the method a living writer can use to be more instructive about the feelings of being in debt.
Step 2: Locating the Relevant Sentence
The passage states, "But as example is at all times more instructive than mere words of mouth, a living writer shall describe his own feelings when beset with creditors...".
It continues, "...and perhaps he may prove a beacon to the thoughtless ones who are likely to fall into the same gulf."
Step 3: Interpreting the Information
The passage proposes that a writer's personal account of dealing with creditors serves as a powerful, real-world example. This personal story is more impactful ("instructive") than abstract warnings. It acts as a guiding signal ("beacon") for others.
Step 4: Final Answer
By sharing a personal narrative of their struggles with debt, a writer provides a concrete example that is more instructive and acts as a warning and guide to others.

Answer 5

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks for a single word from the passage that has the meaning 'frequented by ghosts'.
Step 2: Scanning the Passage for Clues
The passage describes the sufferer of debt with the phrase: "...the sufferer is as one haunted by an evil spirit...".
Step 3: Defining the Word
The word "haunted" means to be frequented or visited by a ghost or spirit. The context of an "evil spirit" directly aligns with this definition.
Step 4: Final Answer
The word in the passage that means 'frequented by ghosts' is 'haunted'.

Answer 6

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks for the antonym of 'thoughtful' that is present in the passage.
Step 2: Searching the Passage
The end of the passage mentions that the writer's example may "...prove a beacon to the thoughtless ones who are likely to fall into the same gulf."
Step 3: Analyzing the Word
The word 'thoughtless' is formed by adding the suffix '-less' (meaning 'without') to the root word 'thought'. It means lacking thought or care, which is the direct opposite of 'thoughtful' (full of thought or care).
Step 4: Final Answer
The word in the passage that is the opposite of 'thoughtful' is 'thoughtless'.

Answer 7

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks to find a word in the passage that means 'a signal for guidance'.
Step 2: Locating Potential Words
The final sentence of the passage reads, "...and perhaps he may prove a beacon to the thoughtless ones...".
Step 3: Defining the Word
A 'beacon' is a fire or light set up in a high or prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration. Its primary purpose is to guide or warn. In the context of the sentence, the writer's story serves as a guiding light or warning signal for others.
Step 4: Final Answer
The word in the passage that means 'signal for guidance' is 'beacon'.