After reading the wreck of hesperus and the article about the titanic, the reader can infer that both of these
question 1 options:

show how to be an efficient captain of a boat

explain the frequency of shipwrecks and other disasters at sea

were intended to entertain the reader about the myths of sailing the atlantic

show how the choices and decisions of people in a position of power can influence the outcome of an event

According to both literary pieces, to be an efficient captain of a boat, you must do everything to save your boat. The captain must make sure that everyone is safe, in the event of a shipwreck. Even if he dies protecting his ship. 

The choices and decisions of people in a position of power can influence the outcome of an event. The direction of the people is led by where the leader points his stick. If he has the will to change, his people will follow. This is what it takes to be a good leader, to earn the respect of your people. 

The correct answer is b