Historical fiction is concerned with depicting historical figures and events in a new light. In this excerpt from “Behold the Br
ooklyn Bridge,” which two sentences most clearly describe historical elements? We followed the crowd of people funneling onto the bridge to cross into Manhattan. I had to crane my neck backward to look up at the top of the closest tower. My eyes followed the long swooping wires as they stretched down and over to the next tower. The wires shimmered in the sunlight and I was sure they were made of the most precious metal. The crowd walked unhurriedly, taking in each detail of the new spectacle. As we neared the other side of the river, I saw a group of people chattering excitedly. “Papa, what’s going on there?” I asked curiously. Papa glanced over toward the crowd. “Why that’s President Arthur himself!” he exclaimed. I thought to myself that it must really be an important day if even the president attended. Looking around at all the people, I was suddenly glad to be wearing my best clothes. As fireworks went off that evening, I said to Papa, "They really did it, Papa, didn't they?" "Yes," he said with a smile, "they really did.
