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Description:

ACT Reading 2.4 Prose Fiction. Based on its context in the passage, which of the following is the best definition for the word "impunity"?

Language:
English Language

Transcript

00:03

Here's your Shmoop du jour, brought to you by crime and punishment. The crime part's

00:07

always so much more fun than the punishment part.

00:34

Based on its context in the passage, which of the following is the best definition for

00:38

the word "impunity" in line 8?

00:46

Our vocab word might be found in line 8, but it's line 9 that helps us to define it.

00:52

When the narrator tells us, "A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its

00:57

redresser," he's saying that if you get caught carrying out revenge...

01:03

...then it doesn't count. So, basically, this guy thinks revenge is only successful

01:07

if you get away with it.

01:09

Now, all we have to do is find the answer that matches this idea.

01:13

"Humility" is when somebody has a modest or low opinion of his or her self.

01:18

Not only does this not fit the definition for which we're looking, it doesn't describe

01:22

our narrator's ego- maniacal, revenge-obsessed personality.

01:27

Choice (C) is the first on the chopping block. There's no doubt our narrator is enthusiastic

01:32

about revenge.

01:34

But choice (B) doesn't mention anything about escaping punishment, so it can be eliminated.

01:40

The narrator would most likely agree that revenge should be carried out "with awareness

01:45

and strong intention."

01:48

This guy thinks revenge is something where... you've got to bring your A-game.

01:51

Again, though, this choice doesn't match the definition we're looking for, making

01:56

(D) a no-go. (A) fits the context to a tee. Seeing the

02:00

word "punishment" even reminds us that the prefix "im" usually means "not."

02:05

Having that in front of "punity," which looks a lot like "punishment," gives us

02:09

a hint that "impunity" translates to "not punished."

02:14

Why didn't we think of that before? Guess we're just not as enthusiastic about revenge

02:18

as our narrator...

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