“The Monster” is an 1898 story by Stephen Crane. In the story, whenever Jimmie, a young boy, has been scolded by his father for misbehavior, he seeks comfort from Henry Johnson, the man responsible for the care of Jimmie’s father’s horses. However, Henry does not always provide such comfort; Crane suggests this by writing, ______
Which quotation from “The Monster” most effectively illustrates the claim?
Explanation
Context: In Stephen Crane's 1898 story "The Monster," Jimmie goes to Henry Johnson for comfort after his father scolds him, and the claim is that Henry does not always provide it. Choose the quotation that illustrates it.
Answer: C) "Henry would sometimes choose to absolutely repudiate [Jimmie's behavior], and when Jimmie appeared in his shame would bully him most virtuously..."
Why? Here Henry does the opposite of comforting: he rejects the behavior outright, then bullies the ashamed boy while preaching the father's own precepts, so the scolding continues instead of easing.
Traps:
- A) Shows Jimmie in awe of Henry's polished harness and groomed horses, admiration unrelated to being comforted.
- B) Has Henry confess a fault of his own to stand level with Jimmie, which is comfort being given, the opposite of the claim.
- D) Reverses the direction, describing Jimmie withholding his attention when Henry is the guilty one.