Question
Read the following excerpts with special attention to the boldfaced text, and answer the question that follows.
War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy
The satisfaction of one’s needs—good food, cleanliness, and freedom—now that he was deprived of all this, seemed to Pierre to constitute perfect happiness; and the choice of occupation, that is, of his way of life—now that that was so restricted—seemed to him such an easy matter that he forgot that a superfluity of the comforts of life destroys all joy in satisfying one’s needs…
The Unknown Citizen
Our researchers into Public Opinion are content
That he held the proper opinions for the time of year;
When there was peace, he was for peace: when there was war, he went.
He was married and added five children to the population,
Which our Eugenist says was the right number for a parent of his generation.
And our teachers report that he never interfered with their education.
Was he free? Was he happy? The question is absurd:
Had anything been wrong, we should certainly have heard.
Which of the following is true about Pierre from the novel War and Peace, and the “Unknown” citizen from Auden’s poem?
The “Unknown” citizen was influenced by others’ opinion, whereas Pierre influenced others with his opinions.
Pierre was influenced by others’ opinion, whereas the “Unknown” citizen influenced others with his opinions.
Both Pierre and the “Unknown” citizen never had any opinion on others.
Both Pierre and the “Unknown” citizen’s opinions were disregarded by the society.
War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy
The satisfaction of one’s needs—good food, cleanliness, and freedom—now that he was deprived of all this, seemed to Pierre to constitute perfect happiness; and the choice of occupation, that is, of his way of life—now that that was so restricted—seemed to him such an easy matter that he forgot that a superfluity of the comforts of life destroys all joy in satisfying one’s needs…
The Unknown Citizen
Our researchers into Public Opinion are content
That he held the proper opinions for the time of year;
When there was peace, he was for peace: when there was war, he went.
He was married and added five children to the population,
Which our Eugenist says was the right number for a parent of his generation.
And our teachers report that he never interfered with their education.
Was he free? Was he happy? The question is absurd:
Had anything been wrong, we should certainly have heard.
Which of the following is true about Pierre from the novel War and Peace, and the “Unknown” citizen from Auden’s poem?
The “Unknown” citizen was influenced by others’ opinion, whereas Pierre influenced others with his opinions.
Pierre was influenced by others’ opinion, whereas the “Unknown” citizen influenced others with his opinions.
Both Pierre and the “Unknown” citizen never had any opinion on others.
Both Pierre and the “Unknown” citizen’s opinions were disregarded by the society.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The correct statement is: **The “Unknown” citizen was influenced by others’ opinion, whereas Pierre influenced others with his opinions.**
In "War and Peace," Pierre's views and experiences shape his understanding of happiness and fulfillment, indicating that he reflects on his own opinions deeply. In contrast, the "Unknown Citizen" from Auden's poem conforms to societal expectations and opinions, without demonstrating individuality or personal influence.
In "War and Peace," Pierre's views and experiences shape his understanding of happiness and fulfillment, indicating that he reflects on his own opinions deeply. In contrast, the "Unknown Citizen" from Auden's poem conforms to societal expectations and opinions, without demonstrating individuality or personal influence.