The central theme of "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" is deception can be used to manipulate others for personal gain. This theme is developed as Smiley tricks others into betting on his frog, manipulating the situation to his advantage. Throughout the story, Smiley's character is portrayed as a con artist who uses clever schemes to exploit the gullibility of others. The narrator's experience highlights how he is unwittingly caught in Smiley's deception, ultimately leading to his embarrassment when he realizes that Smiley had prepared his frog to lose the bet. This dynamic of trickery and manipulation underscores the theme of deception present in the narrative, showing how it can be wielded effectively for personal gain.
Passage from The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by Mark Twain:
"Well, when it was all over, and the frog hadn’t jumped, I felt sorry for the frog, but I didn’t know what to do about it. The man that had been betting against me was laughing at me, and I was standing there looking stupid, but the frog, he was looking worse, he was sick."
Which of the following is the central theme of The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, and how is it developed throughout the story?
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Deception can be used to manipulate others for personal gain. This theme is developed as Smiley tricks others into betting on his frog, manipulating the situation to his advantage.
Hard work is often rewarded with success. This theme is developed as the narrator puts effort into the bet, hoping that his determination will bring success.
Pride can lead to one's downfall. This theme is developed through the narrator’s experience, as his overconfidence in the frog’s abilities leads to embarrassment and loss.
Loyalty to friends is important. This theme is developed as the narrator supports Smiley throughout the story, despite the trickery at play.
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