Question

Read the excerpt from “Rip Van Winkle.”

Rip’s story was soon told, for the whole twenty years had been to him but as one night. The neighbors stared when they heard it; some were seen to wink at each other, and put their tongues in their cheeks; and the self-important man in the Appleed hat, who, when the alarm was over, had returned to the field, screwed down the corners of his mouth, and shook his head—upon which there was a general shaking of the head throughout the assemblage.

What do the phrases “put their tongues in their cheeks” and “screwed down the corners of his mouth” suggest?

Rip Van Winkle is known for exaggeration.

People are fascinated by Rip’s story and do not want to interrupt.

People doubt Rip’s story but also find it to be very entertaining.

Rip Van Winkle’s appearance is upsetting.

Answer 1

B?

Answer 2

People doubt Rip’s story but also find it to be very entertaining. --- This is the correct answer.
Rip Van Winkle's story is obviously something which is quite unbelievable but at the same time it was quite interesting. The phrases "put their tongues in their cheeks" and “screwed down the corners of his mouth” suggest that they considered Rip in a sarcastically serious manner. So the correct answer is option C.

Answer 3

thanks