Household Order Reveals Her Skill | Generated by AI
Question: Which statement in “Xianbi Shilüe” indirectly highlights (through side portrayal) that the mother managed the household well?
Answer:
The correct answer is B. 室靡弃物，家无闲人 (In the house, nothing was wasted, and there was no idle person in the family).
Explanation:
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B. 室靡弃物，家无闲人
This sentence does not directly describe what the mother did or how hardworking she personally was. Instead, it describes the overall state/result of the household: everything is neatly kept with zero waste, and every person is productively occupied with no one being idle.
This orderly, efficient, and fully utilized state of the household is a typical side effect / indirect reflection of excellent household management. Therefore, it is a classic example of 侧面烘托 (indirect portrayal / foil / implication through surrounding circumstances). -
A. 入城，则缉鲈，灯火荧荧，每至夜分
This directly describes the mother’s own behavior — going to the city to spin thread, working under lamp light until midnight. → Direct description of diligence, not side portrayal. -
C. 儿女大者攀衣，小者乳抱，手中纫缀不辍
This directly shows the mother sewing continuously while older children cling to her clothes and younger ones are held in her arms. → Again, direct description of her personal hard work and multitasking ability. -
D. 家中人闻吴家桥人至，皆喜
This describes the happy reaction of the family members when people from Wu Family Bridge arrive. It mainly shows family affection or good social relations, not related to household management ability.
Conclusion:
Only option B uses the result / overall atmosphere of the household to indirectly praise the mother’s excellent household management (持家有方), which fits the technique of 侧面烘托.
Your choice C describes the mother’s direct action and personal diligence, which is vivid but belongs to 正面描写 / 直接描写, not side portrayal.
References:
- None (analysis based on standard interpretation of the classical Chinese text 《先妣事略》 by归有光)