Statement: “Like a mad man, I decided to follow him.” Assumptions I & II: I. I am not actually a mad man (the phrase is a comparison/simile). II. I am a mad man. Choose the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).

Introduction / Context:Idiomatic expressions such as “like a mad man” typically signal manner, not literal identity. We must determine which belief the statement relies on to convey meaning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• I. The speaker is using a simile—he behaved as if mad, but is not actually mad.
• II. The speaker is literally a mad man.

Concept / Approach:In English usage, “like a …” constructs normally compare behavior to a stereotype. The sentence’s intelligibility depends on non-literal, comparative reading rather than identity assertion.

Step-by-Step Solution:1) “Like a mad man” modifies the manner of following (recklessly, impulsively).2) For that to be meaningful, we assume the speaker is not literally mad (I); otherwise the comparison collapses.3) II contradicts I and is not required.

Verification / Alternative check:If the speaker were literally mad, the phrase would be tautological or odd (“like myself”). The idiom’s force comes from the comparison, not identity.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only II: contradicts idiomatic sense. Either/Both: cannot both hold. Neither: ignores the comparative reading required.

Common Pitfalls:Taking idioms literally; overlooking the grammatical role of “like.”

Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit.