Now, Mrs. Sparsit was not a poetical woman; but she took an idea in the nature of an allegorical fancy, into her head. Much watching of Louisa, and much consequent observation of her impenetrable demeanour, which keenly whetted and sharpened Mrs. Sparsit's edge, must have given her as it were a lift, in the way of inspiration. She erected in her mind a mighty Staircase, with a dark pit of shame and ruin at the bottom; and down those stairs, from day to day and hour to hour, she saw Louisa coming.

Question

Now, Mrs. Sparsit was not a poetical woman; but she took an idea in the nature of an allegorical fancy, into her head. Much watching of Louisa, and much consequent observation of her impenetrable demeanour, which keenly whetted and sharpened Mrs. Sparsit's edge, must have given her as it were a lift, in the way of inspiration. She erected in her mind a mighty Staircase, with a dark pit of shame and ruin at the bottom; and down those stairs, from day to day and hour to hour, she saw Louisa coming.

(from ,begin underline,Hard Times,end underline, by Charles Dickens)

Question
Based on the passage, which point is Mrs. Sparsit ,begin emphasis,most,end emphasis, likely trying to make with the staircase allegory?

Answer options with 4 options
1.
that life is a constant upward struggle

2.
that Louisa is headed for a life of tragedy

3.
that Louisa's poetry is destined to fail

4.
that movement up or down comes in small steps

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 2: that Louisa is headed for a life of tragedy. Mrs. Sparsit's allegorical fancy of the staircase with a dark pit of shame and ruin at the bottom suggests that she believes Louisa's actions or choices will ultimately lead to a disastrous outcome.