What is the effect of the author's choice of the word recoiled rather than withdrew in this sentence from The Count of Monte Cristo?

The soldiers interposed their bayonets, for they thought that he was about to attack the inspector, and the latter recoiled two or three steps.

a. It implies that the inspector turned his back on the situation.

b. It shows that the inspector was prepared for an attack.

c. It indicates a sideways rather than a backward movement.

d. It suggests that the inspector was surprised and afraid.

The effect of the author's choice of the word recoiled rather than withdrew in this sentence from The Count of Monte Cristo is that it suggests that the inspector was surprised and afraid.

What are the themes of The Count of Monte Cristo?

Some crucial themes of The Count of Monte Cristo are the home and the overseas, love and salvation, happiness, and identity.

The recoil means draw back in horror or "flinch back in fear". However, the word withdrew means to take back some steps. As there might be an attack on the inspector, he was afraid causing him to flinch back. Thus, the word recoiled is the right word used in the sentence that shows an action done in fear.

Hence, the correct option is B.

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