In the early nineteenth century, Sophie Blanchard became one of France’s most celebrated aeronauts. While her late husband, Jean-Pierre Blanchard, had pioneered ballooning, Sophie carved out her own legacy by performing daring solo flights before massive crowds. She specialized in night ascents, often launching fireworks from her hydrogen balloon, which dazzled spectators across Europe. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was so impressed by her skills that he appointed her the Official Aeronaut of the Empire.
The writer wants to conclude the paragraph with a sentence that emphasizes Sophie Blanchard's status as a pioneering and successful solo aeronaut, while tying back to the paragraph's focus on her achievements. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?
- AConsequently, hydrogen gas, though highly flammable, remained her preferred lifting agent because it was cheaper than hot air.
- Ultimately, her accomplishments proved that she was not merely continuing her husband's work but was a legendary pioneer in her own right.Answer
- CHowever, her husband had died in 1809 after suffering a heart attack during a flight, she continued to fly alone for ten more years.
- DIndeed, ballooning is a dangerous hobby in nineteenth-century France, and many early aeronauts did not survive their flights.