Question

It was easy to see that these doubts were having an effect upon the animals, so the cat went off offended. The subject was dropped for a couple of days, but in the meantime curiosity was taking a fresh start, and there was a revival of interest perceptible. Then the animals assailed the donkey for spoiling what could possibly have been a pleasure to them, on a mere suspicion that the picture was not beautiful, without any evidence that such was the case. The donkey was not troubled; he was calm, and said there was one way to find out who was in the right, himself or the cat: he would go and look in that hole, and come back and tell what he found there. The animals felt relieved and grateful, and asked him to go at once—which he did.

How does the plot influence characterization in this excerpt?

The rising action reveals that the donkey is overly confident.
The rising action suggests the other animals are smarter than the donkey.
The climax shows the donkey only cares about himself.
The climax proves the other animals find joy in looking at the mirror.

Answer 1

In this excerpt, the rising action reveals that the donkey is overly confident. His decision to go and look in the hole to settle the disagreement demonstrates his belief that he can find the truth easily and without consequences. This level of self-assurance influences how he is characterized, suggesting that he may underestimate the situation or the perspectives of the other animals. His calm demeanor in the face of criticism implies a certain level of arrogance or certainty in his own judgment, leading to a dynamic where his confidence stands in contrast to the doubts and curiosity of the other animals.