Ruthie and Winfield tease Uncle John when he does what?

• A. Spends money
• B. Reads
• C. Gets drunk
• D. Falls asleep

Answer: (C)

This question centers on a moment that reveals how Ruthie and Winfield respond to Uncle John and what behavior triggers their teasing. In the story, Uncle John drinks to numb the guilt and sorrow from his wife's death and his own sense of responsibility. When he gets drunk, the children notice and poke fun at him, turning his vulnerability into a running joke. That behavior—drinking to cope and the family’s playful, somewhat cruel response to it—is what Ruthie and Winfield tease him about. Spends money, reads, or falling asleep don’t line up with the specific moment that sticks in their memory and becomes their target for teasing, so getting drunk is the best fit.