Why did Mattie try to get the shirt?

• A. She wanted to wear it as a bandage.
• B. She wanted to use it to stuff around the hole she was in so she wouldn't fall through the hole to the next level of the cave.
• C. She needed to trade it for food.
• D. She wanted to cover a wound on her arm.

Answer: (B)

In this moment the focus is on practical problem-solving under danger. Mattie spots a hole in the cave and uses what she has on hand to address the immediate risk. By stuffing the shirt around the hole, she creates a makeshift barrier or cushion that helps prevent her from slipping through to the lower level. This shows her quick, resourceful thinking and willingness to improvise to stay safe when faced with a dangerous situation. The other options don’t fit the scene as well: there isn’t a wound needing a bandage, nor is there a need to trade for food in that moment. The key idea is using available material to secure her footing and survival.