Question

Select two quotations that best illustrate Gradgrind’s arrogance and condescension towards Sissy Jupe.
Responses

“‘Very well, then. He is a veterinary surgeon, a farrier, and horsebreaker. Give me your definition of a horse.’” (paragraph 19)
“‘Very well, then. He is a veterinary surgeon, a farrier, and horsebreaker. Give me your definition of a horse.’” (paragraph 19)

“‘You mustn’t tell us about the ring, here. Very well, then. Describe your father as a horsebreaker. He doctors sick horses, I dare say?’” (paragraph 17)
“‘You mustn’t tell us about the ring, here. Very well, then. Describe your father as a horsebreaker. He doctors sick horses, I dare say?’” (paragraph 17)

“Mr. Gradgrind frowned, and waved off the objectionable calling with his hand.” (paragraph 14)

“Mr. Gradgrind frowned, and waved off the objectionable calling with his hand.” (paragraph 14)

“‘Girl number twenty unable to define a horse!’ said Mr. Gradgrind…. ‘Girl number twenty possessed of no facts, in reference to one of the commonest of animals!’” (paragraph 21)
“‘Girl number twenty unable to define a horse!’ said Mr. Gradgrind…. ‘Girl number twenty possessed of no facts, in reference to one of the commonest of animals!’” (paragraph 21)

“‘Sissy is not a name,’ said Mr. Gradgrind. ‘Don’t call yourself Sissy. Call yourself Cecilia.’” (paragraph 10)

Answer 1

“‘Sissy is not a name,’ said Mr. Gradgrind. ‘Don’t call yourself Sissy. Call yourself Cecilia.’” (paragraph 10)

“‘Girl number twenty unable to define a horse!’ said Mr. Gradgrind…. ‘Girl number twenty possessed of no facts, in reference to one of the commonest of animals!’” (paragraph 21)

Reason: Both lines show Gradgrind dismissing Sissy’s identity and publicly humiliating her—one by denying her name and autonomy, the other by mocking her intelligence in front of the class.