Question

The narrator's use of 'I' in the given passage is/are: Passage: I have never been any good at the more lurid sort of writing. Psychopathic killers, impotent war-heroes, self-tortured film stars, and seedy espionage agents must exist in the world, but strangely enough I do not come across them, and I prefer to write about the people and places I have known and the lives of those whose paths I have crossed. This crossing of paths makes for stories rather than novels, and although I have worked in both mediums, I am happier being a short-story writer than a novelist.

• A. Self-conscious
• B. Apologetic and regretful
• C. Confessional and communicating
• D. Egotistical and vain

Hint:

When analyzing tone, check whether the narrator is being self-reflective, apologetic, or boastful. Self-awareness without arrogance often implies "self-conscious" and "confessional."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, C

Step 1: Analyze the tone of the narrator. The narrator reflects on personal writing limitations ("I have never been any good at the more lurid sort of writing") and compares personal preference for short stories over novels. This shows an element of self-awareness and self-consciousness. Step 2: Consider the confessional style. The narrator is open about not encountering dramatic characters like "psychopathic killers" or "seedy espionage agents" and admits preferring to write about everyday experiences. This reveals a confessional and communicative tone. Step 3: Eliminate wrong options. - (B) Apologetic and regretful: Not correct, since the narrator does not express regret—rather, they affirm happiness in short-story writing.
- (D) Egotistical and vain: Incorrect, because the passage lacks arrogance or self-importance; it is reflective instead.
Step 4: Final Answer. Thus, the narrator's use of "I" is both self-conscious and confessional/communicative. \[ \boxed{\text{Options (A) and (C)}} \]