Dante's Inferno Grammar Usage: this kind to reason is because

Dante watched as the ferryman guided the boat across the river, telling him to ___ carefully. The dark waters churned around them, hiding unseen dangers below. He knew they had no choice but to move forward.

• proceed

• precede

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'proceed' as it means to move forward, which fits the context of Dante needing to navigate the dangerous waters. 'Precede' means to come before, which does not apply here.

Virgil instructed Dante to ___ the lost souls behind and focus on their journey ahead. Their cries echoed through the murky air, full of regret and despair. Dante hesitated for a moment but knew he had to obey.

• leave

• let

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'leave' because it conveys the action of abandoning the lost souls to focus on the journey ahead, aligning with Virgil's instruction. 'Let' does not fit the context of leaving them behind.

As the angry spirits thrashed in the river, Dante wondered if they would ever ___ above the surface again. Their heads bobbed up briefly before sinking back into the filth. It seemed their punishment would never end.

• rise

• raise

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'rise' because it means to move upward, fitting the context of the spirits attempting to come above the surface. 'Raise' is a transitive verb that requires an object, making it unsuitable here.

The cursed souls cried out, hoping someone would ___ them how to escape their torment. Dante shuddered at their desperation, knowing no lesson could free them now. Their punishment had already been decided.

• teach

• learn

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'teach' because the cursed souls are asking for guidance on how to escape their torment. 'Learn' does not fit the context, as they are not seeking to acquire knowledge but rather to be instructed.

The towering walls of the infernal city would not ___ for anyone who lacked permission to enter. Dante gazed up at the iron gates, feeling their unyielding presence. He knew they would have to find another way in.

• lay

• lie

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'lie' because it refers to the position of the gates, indicating they do not 'lie' open for unauthorized individuals. 'Lay' is incorrect in this context as it implies placing something down.

The tormented shades mourned the days that had long since ___, wishing they could change their fates. They clung to memories of life, though the past could not save them now. Dante listened, feeling both pity and fear.

• passed

• past

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'passed' because it indicates that the days have gone by, fitting the context of mourning. 'Past' refers to a time that has already happened, but does not convey the sense of time moving on as 'passed' does.

Dante struggled to keep his footing as he stepped onto the boat, worried that his loose grip might make him ___ balance. The small craft rocked beneath him, unsteady on the shifting waves. He grabbed onto Virgil’s arm for support.

• lose

• loose

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'lose' because it means to fail to keep or maintain something, fitting the context of Dante's struggle to maintain his balance. 'Loose' refers to something not tight, which does not apply here.

The wrathful spirits fought furiously in the swamp, just ___ they had in life, unable to let go of their rage. Their endless battle consumed them, each blow only fueling more hatred. Dante turned away, unwilling to watch.

• as

• like

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'as' because it indicates a comparison of the spirits' actions in battle to their actions in life. 'Like' would imply similarity but does not fit the grammatical structure here.

The demonic guardian demanded to know if Dante was truly alive or if he belonged to ___ of souls that could not cross. Its fiery eyes burned into him, seeking the truth. Virgil stepped forward to answer.

• these kinds

• this kind

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'this kind' because it refers to a singular category of souls. The phrase 'these kinds' would imply multiple categories, which does not fit the context of the demonic guardian's inquiry.

As Dante looked ahead, he saw that Virgil’s wisdom always seemed to ___ his own understanding. No matter how much he observed, Virgil always knew what lay ahead. It was both a comfort and a reminder of how little Dante understood.

• precede

• proceed

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'precede' because it indicates that Virgil's wisdom comes before Dante's understanding, highlighting how Virgil's foresight surpasses Dante's own insights.