17.Read the paragraphs.
Randall knew every resident of the town, so he was taken aback when an unfamiliar face darkened the doorway of the general store. The stranger stepped inside, and the smile he offered was genuine. Randall noted that he grinned a bit more cheerfully than those who usually came in seeking feed or flour. “What can I do for you, sir?” he asked.
The man explained that he wanted for nothing but a bed; he said that he needed a good night’s rest before continuing on his way. He told Randall he was heading west to find his fortune in the bounty of the California hills. Though this was the first Randall had heard of such nonsense, it would not be the last. He directed the stranger two doors down to the inn, offering a stern reminder that the stranger would have to pay real money for a night’s stay. The stranger laughed and said he had enough to last him until he reached the golden coast.
What historical reality about the California Gold Rush is represented in this fictional paragraph?
A.
the optimism of those who participated
B.***
the politics taking place during this time
C.
the cruelty present in frontier towns
D.
the extreme poverty of frontier towns
Help please.
To determine the historical reality about the California Gold Rush represented in this fictional paragraph, we need to analyze the information provided. The paragraph mentions a stranger who came to town with the intention of heading west to find his fortune in the California hills. This aligns with one of the key aspects of the California Gold Rush - the optimism of those who participated.
During the Gold Rush, thousands of people from all over the world flocked to California with hopes of striking it rich by mining for gold. This paragraph reflects that optimism as the stranger expresses his belief in finding his fortune in the gold fields. Additionally, the mention of the golden coast refers to California's association with the abundant gold resources during the Gold Rush.
Therefore, the correct answer is A. the optimism of those who participated.