A Fable

Question

by Mark Twain

Once upon a time an artist who had painted a small and very beautiful picture placed it so that he could see it in the mirror. He said, “This doubles the distance and softens it, and it is twice as lovely as it was before.”

The animals out in the woods heard of this through the housecat, who was greatly admired by them because he was so learned, and so refined and civilized, and so polite and high-bred, and could tell them so much which they didn't know before, and were not certain about afterward. They were much excited about this new piece of gossip, and they asked questions, so as to get at a full understanding of it. They asked what a picture was, and the cat explained.

“It is a flat thing,” he said; “wonderfully flat, marvelously flat, enchantingly flat and elegant. And, oh, so beautiful!”

That excited them almost to a frenzy, and they said they would give the world to see it. Then the bear asked:

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Question
Use the story to answer the question.

What larger meaning do the events in the story’s conclusion convey?

(1 point)
Responses

The events show that it is human nature to see what one expects to see if one refuses to look beyond it.
The events show that it is human nature to see what one expects to see if one refuses to look beyond it.

The events show that most of the animals in the story are blinded by their own expectations.
The events show that most of the animals in the story are blinded by their own expectations.

The events show that the cat is more self-aware than the other animals in the story.
The events show that the cat is more self-aware than the other animals in the story.

The events show that it is human nature to notice the faults of others while overlooking one’s own faults.

Answer 1

The best response to the question regarding the larger meaning conveyed by the events in the story’s conclusion is:

The events show that most of the animals in the story are blinded by their own expectations.

This response captures the essence of how the animals, driven by their excitement and admiration for the idea of the picture, may overlook the reality of what a picture truly is, showing how expectations can cloud judgment and understanding.