Question
He said slowly, "We've had no word of Union movement."
The spy bobbed with joy. "I knew it. Thass why I hurried. Came through that picket line in the dark and all. I don't know if you realize, General—"
Sorrel said coldly, "Sir, don't you think, if this man's story was true, that we would have heard something?"
Sorrel did not approve of spies. The spy grimaced, blew. "You aint exactly on friendly ground no more, Major. This aint Virginia no more."
True, Longstreet thought. But there would have been something from Stuart? Longstreet said, "General Stuart's cavalry went out a few days back. He hasn't reported any movement."
The spy shrugged, exasperated, glooming at Sorrel. Sorrel turned his back, looked at his fingernails.
The previous text suggested that Sorrel trusted Harrison as a spy. How does this historical novel build on or challenge that idea?
it's shows sorrel doubting a report from Harrison.
it demonstarates the rivalry between sorrel and Harrison.
it illustrates the friendship between sorrel and harrison
The spy bobbed with joy. "I knew it. Thass why I hurried. Came through that picket line in the dark and all. I don't know if you realize, General—"
Sorrel said coldly, "Sir, don't you think, if this man's story was true, that we would have heard something?"
Sorrel did not approve of spies. The spy grimaced, blew. "You aint exactly on friendly ground no more, Major. This aint Virginia no more."
True, Longstreet thought. But there would have been something from Stuart? Longstreet said, "General Stuart's cavalry went out a few days back. He hasn't reported any movement."
The spy shrugged, exasperated, glooming at Sorrel. Sorrel turned his back, looked at his fingernails.
The previous text suggested that Sorrel trusted Harrison as a spy. How does this historical novel build on or challenge that idea?
it's shows sorrel doubting a report from Harrison.
it demonstarates the rivalry between sorrel and Harrison.
it illustrates the friendship between sorrel and harrison
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The excerpt you provided shows Sorrel expressing doubt about the spy's report, which challenges the idea that Sorrel trusts Harrison as a spy. Instead of taking the information at face value, Sorrel's skepticism highlights his disapproval of spies in general, suggesting a lack of confidence in the reliability of their information. This indicates that he might not fully trust Harrison, which complicates any notion of a friendly or cooperative relationship.
Additionally, it suggests a rivalry or at least a tension between Sorrel and the spy, as Sorrel's cold demeanor and disregard for the spy's excitement imply a lack of respect or acceptance of his contributions. Therefore, the excerpt clearly demonstrates Sorrel's doubts towards the spy's claims and his overall stance on the legitimacy of spies, fostering a sense of tension rather than illustrating friendship or support for Harrison.
In summary, the correct interpretation would be: **it shows Sorrel doubting a report from Harrison.**
Additionally, it suggests a rivalry or at least a tension between Sorrel and the spy, as Sorrel's cold demeanor and disregard for the spy's excitement imply a lack of respect or acceptance of his contributions. Therefore, the excerpt clearly demonstrates Sorrel's doubts towards the spy's claims and his overall stance on the legitimacy of spies, fostering a sense of tension rather than illustrating friendship or support for Harrison.
In summary, the correct interpretation would be: **it shows Sorrel doubting a report from Harrison.**