With admirable sangfroid and without circumlocution, the omniscient paterfamilias, in order to achieve a confluence of heterodox viewpoints, and to avoid the need for mollifying the disputants, urged all present to avoid further altercations over warheads, megatons, and putative future doom. “gregarious though you be,” he averred, “confine your assertions to soliloquy or to alter egos; do not contravene my unilateral interdiction against altercation. if you are nonplussed or incredulous, then respect the hierarchy of family authority.” reading comprehension 1. the author does all of the following except a. describe a male head of household’s interdiction. b. describe a violent altercation c. describe someone speaking very directly to others. d. describe an interfamilial mollification. 2. the author’s attitude is best described as: a. it is good to be even-tempered and candid. b. a father should rule the household c. disagreement should be kept to oneself. d. global dangers should not be discussed openly.