I need some help this is my finu

Read the exercept from robert stawell ball great astronmers,based on the context of the exerpct what does the word protacted most clearly means? a.seeming to be truthful b.weighing an excessive amount c.extending in a specific decision d.continuing for a long time e.being exceptional and talented

Who is ¨ the guilty party¨ at the end of the text, and how do his actions contribute to the storys theme?

American history (is, are) studying the american colonies.