To answer this question, we need to understand the context and meaning of the sentence. The sentence states that the protagonist has put away childish things, including her schoolmates, who now seem immature in retrospect.
Let's go through each option to understand why it is correct or incorrect:
Option A) Defunct - This option means no longer in existence or functioning. While it can be related to the notion of immaturity, it does not capture the sense of childishness or immaturity that is being conveyed in the sentence. Therefore, option A is incorrect.
Option B) Disjoint - This option means lacking coherence or connection. It does not relate to the concept of immaturity or childishness. Therefore, option B is incorrect.
Option C) Spendthrift - This option means a person who spends money extravagantly or wastefully. It does not convey the idea of immaturity or childishness. Therefore, option C is incorrect.
Option D) Puerile - This option means childish, immature, or silly. This option accurately captures the sense of immaturity that is being conveyed in the sentence. Therefore, option D is correct.
The correct answer is D) Puerile. This option is correct because it accurately describes the schoolmates as being immature in retrospect.