Whose alleged action does Brinker claim caused Finny's accident?

• A. Finny
• B. Gene
• C. Leper
• D. Brinker

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how a character seeks to assign responsibility after a traumatic event. Brinker approaches Finny’s fall as something caused by a deliberate action, not a random accident. He accuses Gene of jouncing the tree limb to make Finny fall, framing it as a purposeful act rather than an unforeseen mishap. This reflects Brinker’s practical, prosecutorial mindset: he wants to identify a single person responsible and bring the truth to light, even if the evidence is indirect.

Understanding this helps you see why the answer is Gene. Brinker doesn’t blame Finny, Leper, or himself; his suspicion centers on Gene and the possibility that Gene’s jealousy or hidden guilt drove him to cause the accident. This moment also sets up Gene’s eventual internal conflict and confession, showing how the question of blame drives character development and the novel’s exploration of guilt and responsibility.