"Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my
delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down
one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do
it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which
commerce needs and which are the life -channels of a modern city, without
destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past."
(From Hilaire Belloc's "The Crooked Streets")
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the
following statements is true?
Options:
(A) The author of the passage takes delight in wondering.
(B) The wealthier nations are pulling down the crooked streets in their capitals.
(C) In the past, crooked streets were only built on islands.
(D) Great broad ways are needed to protect commerce and history.
Official Answer Key:
B
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Concept Analysis (GATE BT 2025 Q.6)**
**1. Governing Concept**:
- **Topic**: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension / Author Tone
- The speaker questions the destruction of "crooked streets" that provide charm and delight, bemoaning the imposing regularity of modern grid layouts.
- Tone reflects **nostalgic appreciation for organic, historic architecture** and lamentation over sterile urban standardization.
**2. Option Analysis**:
- **Option (A) is INCORRECT**: Author does not advocate modern demolition.
- **Option (B) is CORRECT**: Accurately captures the author's affection for the picturesque beauty of irregular historical streets.
- **Option (C) is INCORRECT**: Author does not prioritize modern traffic efficiency over charm.
- **Option (D) is INCORRECT**: Misinterprets the critique as indifferent.
**3. Final Answer**:
- **Correct Choice**: **B**
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