The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on the image provided, the correct answer is:
By presenting Matthias as a clever mouse, they foreshadow many further adventures.
Explanation
This answer correctly identifies the connection between the characterization of the protagonist, Matthias, and the story’s open-ended conclusion. The final sentence, “Matthias did, and had further adventures, but they are a story for another complete,” explicitly promises the reader that the hero’s journey is not over. This literary technique serves to satisfy the reader while also creating anticipation for potential sequels. For such a promise to be believable, the author must first establish a protagonist who is capable of surviving and thriving through more challenges.
The characterization of Matthias as a “clever mouse” directly supports this foreshadowing. Throughout a story, if a character is consistently shown to be intelligent, resourceful, and quick-witted, the audience comes to believe in his ability to handle future conflicts. Cleverness is a fundamental trait for an adventurer who must solve riddles, outsmart enemies, and navigate dangerous situations. By establishing Matthias as clever, the author lays the groundwork that makes the idea of “further adventures” feel like a natural and earned continuation of his saga, rather than an arbitrary addition.
The other options are less accurate. While Matthias might be helpful or have knowledge of certain lands, these specific traits do not foreshadow the general continuation of his adventures as effectively as the core attribute of cleverness does. A “happy ending” is too generic, and the text specifically points to more action, not just a state of being. Furthermore, presenting him as deceptive would foreshadow a grim or tragic end, which directly contradicts the hopeful and expansive tone of the story’s final words. Therefore, his cleverness is the key characteristic that makes the promise of more stories feel both logical and compelling.
