Question
Based on the excerpt below, how does John Thornton's intervention demonstrate his role in the story?
"Hal's whip fell upon the dogs with merciless regularity. The sled was only half loaded, and they could not drag it. Buck's strength was failing, and he lay down, unable to rise. Hal tried to force him up, whipping and beating him, but Buck refused to move. He had made up his mind not to get up. Suddenly, a stout, weather-beaten man with a resolute expression stepped in. 'If you strike that dog again, I'll kill you,' he said calmly. The whip was raised again, and John Thornton sprang upon Hal, tearing the whip from his hand and throwing him down. Mercedes screamed. Hal rose to his feet, glaring at Thornton, who stood calmly, a revolver in his hand."
A. He saves Buck from further abuse, showing his compassionate and protective nature.
B. He assists Hal and Charles in leading the sled team more effectively.
C. He challenges Buck to become stronger by continuing to work.
D. He agrees with Hal that the dogs should work harder.
"Hal's whip fell upon the dogs with merciless regularity. The sled was only half loaded, and they could not drag it. Buck's strength was failing, and he lay down, unable to rise. Hal tried to force him up, whipping and beating him, but Buck refused to move. He had made up his mind not to get up. Suddenly, a stout, weather-beaten man with a resolute expression stepped in. 'If you strike that dog again, I'll kill you,' he said calmly. The whip was raised again, and John Thornton sprang upon Hal, tearing the whip from his hand and throwing him down. Mercedes screamed. Hal rose to his feet, glaring at Thornton, who stood calmly, a revolver in his hand."
A. He saves Buck from further abuse, showing his compassionate and protective nature.
B. He assists Hal and Charles in leading the sled team more effectively.
C. He challenges Buck to become stronger by continuing to work.
D. He agrees with Hal that the dogs should work harder.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
A. He saves Buck from further abuse, showing his compassionate and protective nature.
John Thornton's intervention highlights his role as a protector and a compassionate figure in the story, taking a stand against Hal's cruelty towards Buck. This act not only saves Buck from further suffering but also establishes Thornton as a key character who embodies kindness and empathy in contrast to Hal's brutality.
John Thornton's intervention highlights his role as a protector and a compassionate figure in the story, taking a stand against Hal's cruelty towards Buck. This act not only saves Buck from further suffering but also establishes Thornton as a key character who embodies kindness and empathy in contrast to Hal's brutality.