Question

Which excerpt from The Great Fire is a counterexample of the theme that ordinary people act heroically in dangerous situations?

It did come under my notice that some cartmen worked for whatever the sufferers felt able to pay …
Claire and her family continued down the street when “a short, rough man grabbed at my bundle [but I] would not let it go …”
Father picked up Willy and was carrying him, while Mother held Charlotte and Robert by the hand.
White turned the wagon around and again headed south, his family and all of his servants safely onboard …

Answer 1

The excerpt that serves as a counterexample to the theme that ordinary people act heroically in dangerous situations is:

**"It did come under my notice that some cartmen worked for whatever the sufferers felt able to pay …"**

This statement suggests that some individuals were taking advantage of the situation for personal gain rather than acting selflessly or heroically to help those in need. This contrasts with the idea of ordinary people acting heroically in dangerous situations.