From the Middle Ages Through the Renaissance — Test
Question 19 • English IV
Read the excerpt from The Time Traveler’s Guide to Elizabethan England . Sir Thomas Elyot is worth listening to on this subject. Although he is a layman and not a physician, his book, The Castel of Health, proves hugely influential—it goes into its sixteenth edition in 1595. He declares that mutton is the most wholesome meat you can eat and that fish is not so good because it thins the blood. He also thinks that spices and vegetables are bad for you. Why does the author use the second-person point of view in this excerpt?
Answer
A
The author wants to describe the time period accurately.
B
The author wants to help the reader relate to the subject thoughtfully.
C
The author wants to create a convincing argument.
D
The author wants to present factual information effectively.
Explanation
The phrase “you can eat” addresses the reader directly, making the historical advice feel personally relevant. This second-person point of view helps readers connect thoughtfully with the subject, rather than simply presenting facts about Elizabethan food beliefs.
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