A Fable

Question

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:

1 of 7
Question
Use the story to answer the question.

What message about perspective does the author convey in this passage?

(1 point)
Responses

It can be different for everyone without anyone being wrong.
It can be different for everyone without anyone being wrong.

It can change depending on the information that comes with it.
It can change depending on the information that comes with it.

It can be affected by who is looking and where they are looking from.
It can be affected by who is looking and where they are looking from.

It can evolve as the person holding it changes their mind.
It can evolve as the person holding it changes their mind.

Answer 1

The message about perspective that the author conveys in this passage is:

It can be affected by who is looking and where they are looking from.

This is illustrated by how the artist sees his painting differently when viewed in a mirror, suggesting that perspective can change based on the viewer's position and context. Additionally, the animals’ excitement and their understanding of art are influenced by the cat’s explanation, highlighting how perspective can vary based on the information and interpretation provided by a particular viewer.