Read the excerpt from "The Storyteller.”

"You don’t seem to be a success as a storyteller,” said the bachelor suddenly from his corner.

The aunt bristled in instant defense at this unexpected attack.

"It’s a very difficult thing to tell stories that children can both understand and appreciate,” she said stiffly.

"I don’t agree with you,” said the bachelor.

"Perhaps you would like to tell them a story,” was the aunt’s retort.

"Tell us a story,” demanded the bigger of the small girls.

"Once upon a time,” began the bachelor, "there was a little girl called Bertha, who was extraordinarily good.”

The children’s momentarily-aroused interest began at once to flicker; all stories seemed dreadfully alike, no matter who told them.


Which statement best explains the situational irony that occurs in the passage? The aunt wants the bachelor to tell a good story, but he does not. The bachelor fears that the children will not like his story, but they do. The bigger girl does not expect the bachelor to tell a story, but he does. The aunt does not expect the bachelor to tell a story, but he does.