Question

As it's written, what does the sentence below suggest?

Eugene Krabs was shocked to see his principal climbing the flagpole.

Eugene Krabs was climbing.

The principal was climbing.

Answer 1

The sentence suggests that Eugene Krabs observed his principal engaging in an unusual or unexpected activity, which is climbing a flagpole. This implies that the principal was indeed the one climbing, while Eugene Krabs was simply a witness to this surprising event. The phrasing clarifies the roles of each individual: Eugene Krabs is not climbing the flagpole; rather, he is watching his principal do so. The overall context evokes a sense of surprise or disbelief regarding the principal's actions.