Explain why Horace Danby decides to break into Shotover Grange even though he knows the risks involved.
Answer
He is driven by his passion for rare books and the desire to possess them, which outweighs his fear of being caught.
The correct answer is He is driven by his passion for rare books and the desire to possess them, which outweighs his fear of being caught. — Conclude that his primary motive is the passion for books, which makes him accept the danger of the robbery.
Step-by-step solution
- Identify Horace Danby’s stated love for rare and expensive books in the passage.
- Observe the description of his longing to own such books, which is presented as a deep personal desire.
- Notice the author’s comment that Danby is willing to risk imprisonment for the pleasure of reading these books.
- Conclude that his primary motive is the passion for books, which makes him accept the danger of the robbery.
Common mistake: Mentioning only his financial need and ignoring his love for books
Concept tested: Character motivation
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
Related questions
- 1 Why did Horace Danby experience repeated sneezing fits while breaking into the safe at Shotover Grange?
- 2 Analyse how the author creates suspense in the safe‑breaking scene at Shotover Grange. Cite two specific descriptive techniques and explain their effect on the reader.
- 3 Why does Horace Danby get angry whenever anyone mentions the phrase 'honour among thieves' after his arrest?
- 4 How often did Horace Danby commit a robbery to buy the rare and expensive books he loved?
- 5 How did the young woman in red trick Horace Danby into opening the safe without wearing his gloves?
- 6 The phrase “honour among thieves” is used sarcastically in the passage. What does the author intend to convey by this sarcasm?