After the following sentence, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is…

Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence uses an idiom: "a shadow of his former self." You are asked to choose the option that best captures its meaning.

Step 2: Explain the concept To be "a shadow of your former self" means you have become much weaker, thinner, or less vigorous than you used to be. A shadow is faint and insubstantial, so the idiom suggests someone who has lost strength, health, or vitality. It describes a reduced physical (or sometimes mental) state, not a lack of hope or a loss of safety.

Step 3: Work through the options The context is "after months of battling with stroke," so the idiom describes the effect of a long illness.

• A. is now frail: Frail means weak and delicate. This matches the idiom closely.
• B. is vulnerable: This means open to harm or attack. It is not the same as being physically diminished.
• C. is hopeless: This describes a lack of hope or a case beyond help. The idiom says nothing about hope.
• D. has almost recovered: This is the opposite of the idiom, which signals decline, not recovery.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. is now frail.

Step 5: Exam tip For idiom questions, picture the literal image. A shadow is a faint, weak version of the real thing, so "a shadow of his former self" means much weaker than before. Also use the context clue "battling with stroke" to rule out positive options like D.