What did Marta think of Duane when he returned from his time away?

Marta perceived Duane as a changed person, describing him as almost alien-like upon his return. This suggests that she noticed significant alterations in his demeanor, appearance, or behavior that made him seem unfamiliar or distinctly different from the person he was before he left. This transformation points to the idea that Duane's time away had profound effects on him, possibly due to experiences or situations that shaped his character or outlook on life.

Such a strong reaction indicates that Marta was not only observing physical changes but also an overall shift in his presence. People often undergo transformations due to life experiences, and in this case, Marta's reaction reflects a deeper emotional and psychological change in Duane that she found strikingly out of character. This impression can trigger feelings of concern or intrigue as she struggles to reconcile the Duane she once knew with the new person standing in front of her.

In contrast, the other choices describe either a lack of noticeable change or imply different emotional states, which do not capture Marta's perception of Duane's significant transformation.