PSAT Reading Question 419: Answer and Explanation

Question: 419

What best captures the narrator's sentiments about his capacity to understand the mystery of the House of Usher?

• A. He feels intellectually capable.
• B. He feels professionally untrained.
• C. He feels largely optimistic.
• D. He feels generally inadequate.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) Throughout the passage, the narrator is generally aware of the gloomy, ominous feeling the house gives off, but he cannot explain it. Even after trying to change his attitude and his view of the house, he cannot express why or how it has such power over him. So choice (D) is correct. Choices (A) and (C) describe feelings opposite of uncertainty. Since it doesn't have to do with professional training, you can rule out choice (B) as well.