The larger meaning conveyed by the events in the story’s conclusion is that "the events show that it is human nature to see what one expects to see if one refuses to look beyond it." The animals, influenced by the cat's descriptions, become overly excited about a concept they do not fully understand. Their expectations and eagerness prevent them from approaching the idea with critical thinking, leading them to be enamored by something they cannot see or comprehend. This reflects a broader commentary on how individuals can become fixated on ideas or images based on superficial descriptions rather than seeking a deeper understanding.
A Fable
by Mark Twain
Once upon a time an artist who had painted a small and very beautiful picture placed it so that he could see it in the mirror. He said, “This doubles the distance and softens it, and it is twice as lovely as it was before.”
The animals out in the woods heard of this through the housecat, who was greatly admired by them because he was so learned, and so refined and civilized, and so polite and high-bred, and could tell them so much which they didn't know before, and were not certain about afterward. They were much excited about this new piece of gossip, and they asked questions, so as to get at a full understanding of it. They asked what a picture was, and the cat explained.
“It is a flat thing,” he said; “wonderfully flat, marvelously flat, enchantingly flat and elegant. And, oh, so beautiful!”
That excited them almost to a frenzy, and they said they would give the world to see it. Then the bear asked:
“What is it that makes it so beautiful?”
“It is the looks of it,” said the cat.
This filled them with admiration and uncertainty, and they were more excited than ever. Then the cow asked:
“What is a mirror?”
“It is a hole in the wall,” said the cat. “You look in it, and there you see the picture, and it is so dainty and charming and ethereal and inspiring in its unimaginable beauty that your head turns round and round, and you almost swoon with ecstasy.”Use the story to answer the question.
What larger meaning do the events in the story’s conclusion convey?
(1 point)
Responses
The events show that the cat is more self-aware than the other animals in the story.
The events show that the cat is more self-aware than the other animals in the story.
The events show that it is human nature to notice the faults of others while overlooking one’s own faults.
The events show that it is human nature to notice the faults of others while overlooking one’s own faults.
The events show that it is human nature to see what one expects to see if one refuses to look beyond it.
The events show that it is human nature to see what one expects to see if one refuses to look beyond it.
The events show that most of the animals in the story are blinded by their own expectations.
1 answer