In "april 2000: the third expedition," why is captain john black reluctant to leave the spaceship when he and his crew members first land on mars? a. he begins to realize he isn't as brave as he thought he was. b. he doesn't like what he sees outside the port window. c. he fears there isn't enough oxygen in the martian air to support human life. d. he thinks his crew members don't have enough weapons to protect themselves.

Read the excerpt from infinite jest 'my application's not bought," i am telling them, calling into the darkness of the red cave that opens out before closed eyes. 'tam not just a boy who plays tennis. i have an intricate history. experiences and feelings. i'm complex. "read,' i say. 'i study and read. i bet i've read everything you've read. don't think i haven't. i consume libraries. i wear out spines and rom-drives. i do things like get in a taxi and say, "the library, and step on it." my instincts concerning syntax and mechanics are better than your own, i can tell, with due respect. the theme suggested by the excerpt is about a. being understood b. the value of education c. wisdom versus foolishness d. learning responsibility