Which factor contributed to Booth and Herold's appearance being less than ideal?

• A. They wore armor to disguise themselves.
• B. They wore clean, fresh clothes that drew attention.
• C. They wore dirty clothes and had no change of clothes.
• D. They wore formal suits to blend in.

Answer: (C)

Blending in after a high-profile crime relies on looking unremarkable and prepared for ordinary travel. Booth and Herold needed to move unseen, so their appearance mattered. Wearing dirty clothes and having no change of clothes made them look rough and visibly on the run, signaling trouble and drawing attention from bystanders and authorities. That unsettled, unkempt look is exactly what would hinder their ability to pass as normal travelers, making their escape more risky. The other options don’t fit as well: armor would be conspicuous and impractical, clean clothes would attract less suspicion, and formal suits would feel out of place for a covert nighttime escape, so they wouldn’t contribute to a less-than-ideal appearance as effectively.