Read this passage from Part 2 of “The Purloined Letter.” “Full of these ideas, I prepared myself with a pair of green spectacles, and called one fine morning, quite by accident, at the Ministerial hotel. I found D— at home, yawning, lounging, and dawdling, as usual, and pretending to be in the last extremity of ennui. He is, perhaps, the most really energetic human being now alive—but that is only when nobody sees him.

“To be even with him, I complained of my weak eyes, and lamented the necessity of the spectacles, under cover of which I cautiously and thoroughly surveyed the apartment, while seemingly intent only upon the conversation of my host.”

How does relating this story in flashback help readers understand the larger story?

Select all that apply.

The character explains an event that is important in shaping his traits.
The description includes exposition that is important to the story’s present.
The reader hears a vivid account of the event as it unfolded.
The character can offer commentary on his experience of the event.