(A) He felt that his honest ways were responsible for the poverty and ...
Explanation:
The correct answer is option (E) "Once there lived a poor but honest woodcutter in the forest."
In this question, we are asked to identify the sentence that should be the second sentence in a paragraph. To determine the correct answer, we need to analyze the given sentences and identify the logical order in which they should be arranged.
Order of sentences:
1. Once there lived a poor but honest woodcutter in the forest. (E)
2. He felt that his honest ways were responsible for the poverty and starvation of his family. (A)
3. So he wanted to discuss his feeling with his wife and children. (F)
4. He told them how his honesty was useless and asked if he should try an alternative. (C)
5. They told him that they would prefer starving to dishonesty. (D)
6. Sixteen miles away from Mysore, there is a dense forest. (B)
Explanation of the order:
The paragraph is about a poor but honest woodcutter who is struggling to provide for his family. The logical order of the sentences can be determined as follows:
1. Sentence (E) introduces the main character and sets the context by stating that there lived a poor but honest woodcutter in the forest.
2. Sentence (A) follows as it explains the woodcutter's belief that his honest ways are responsible for his family's poverty and starvation. This sentence provides insight into the woodcutter's mindset and motivation.
3. Sentence (F) comes next, as it states that the woodcutter wants to discuss his feelings with his wife and children. This shows his desire for support and understanding from his family.
4. Sentence (C) follows, as it describes how the woodcutter shares with his family how he feels that his honesty is useless and asks if he should try an alternative. This sentence continues the conversation between the woodcutter and his family.
5. Sentence (D) comes next, as it reveals the response of the woodcutter's family. They tell him that they would prefer starving to dishonesty, indicating their own commitment to honesty and integrity.
6. Sentence (B) is the last sentence, as it provides additional information about the forest's location, which is less relevant to the main storyline.
Therefore, the correct order of the sentences is E, A, F, C, D, B.