Which sentence/phrase is best to cite for author's word choices that suggest positive connotations? a) peacemaker and hiawatha worked together until the five tribes struck an agreement. b) the name they called themselves was name that refers to these peoples' huge family homes. c) probably based on a real person, a peaceful hero who to unite the iroquois people hundreds of years ago. d) although these people shared similar languages and cultures, they seldom saw eye-to-eye and most of their interactions were hostile.

I believe the answer is: C)  

Hiawatha...was probably based on a real person, a peaceful hero who helped to unite the Iroquois people hundreds of years ago.

This is because since a connotation means an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning, and the history behind "Hiawatha" that is shown above is about a good event. Therefore a positive connotation.

C)  Hiawatha...was probably based on a real person, a peaceful hero who helped to unite the Iroquois people hundreds of years ago.

Many words often have two meanings, a denotative meaning and a connotative meaning. Denotative meanings of words are the dictionary definitions of the words. The connotative meanings are a secondary more figurative meaning that can also show an emotion or feeling. Words that have positive connotations give the sentence or passage a positive mood or tone. In this sentence, the words "peaceful" and "unite" give the reader a sense of positivity and suggest positive connotations.

Option D does the complete opposite with the words "seldom" and "hostile". Options A and B have very neutral words.