Question

Read the section below from Astoria by Washington Irving and answer the question that follows.
"This region, which resembles one of the ancient steppes of Asia has not inaptly been termed 'the great American desert.' It spreads forth into undulating and treeless plains, and desolate sandy wastes, wearisome to the eye from their extent and monotony, . . . It is a land where no man permanently abides; for, in certain seasons of the year there is no food either for the hunter or his steed.”
– Washington Irving, Astoria, 1836

In the above excerpt, Washington Irving expresses an opinion about the Great Plains. Which phrase does not show Irving's bias against the Great Plains?
A.
“has not been inaptly termed ‘the great American desert’”
B.
“wearisome to the eye”
C.
“resembles one of the ancient steppes of Asia”
D.
“desolate sandy wastes”

Answer 1

According to the passage mentioned, the phrase that does not show Irving's bias against the Great Plains is:

"has not been inaptly termed 'the great American Desert'".

Explanation:

Irving Washington talks about the massiveness and the daunting Great Plains.

He expresses its harshness to survive in it, and the monotony o the views it holds for acres and acres.

With all this, he does not shy away from calling it or linking it to America, calling it the great American desert.

This shows he agrees to the fact that it is indeed an American desert that holds massive plain grasslands and harsh conditions of survival.

Answer 2

Answer:

C.

Explanation:

“resembles one of the ancient steppes of Asia”