Giving Back

Question

B. Haq

“I am giving away all these items that I once adored. I hope your foundation can make good use of them,” said Farah, looking attentively at Greer, who stood with an unconvinced expression on her sweet careworn face.

Greer finally muttered, “You mean all of this.” She motioned with her finger that donned a bright red nail polish.

“Hmm,” Farah countered with a reassuring nod. She was standing in the center of a pile of exquisite clothes, shoes, and handbags. Neatly set out in the corner were her golf clubs, skating shoes, ski boots, and ski poles.

“What… I mean why…,” spoke Greer, bewildered and irritated at her failure to get inside Farah’s head.

“Why?” probed Farah, “I thought you’d be pleased.”

Greer drew a deep breath before articulating, “What purpose could your riches possibly serve the poor and the sick? Besides, rich people do not give away their expensive belongings for nothing.” She spoke doggedly and even scrunched up her nose a little.

“GIVE AWAY FOR NOTHING?” an astonished Farah asked, stressing Greer’s words of her choice.

“I will be candid with you,” explained Greer eloquently, ignoring Farah’s bewilderment. “Poor people would rather have food in their bellies and decent clothes on their backs than own these fancy things. I should’ve known before hauling up my big truck here.” Shaking her head with disenchantment, she picked up one of Farah’s luxurious bags and held it up, at once admiringly and disapprovingly.

“Well, I am sorry to hear that,” continued Farah, bitterness evident in her tone. “I wanted you to auction these and use the money for the little kids.”

Now it was Greer’s turn to be dumbfounded. “Oh… that’s what you meant on the phone?”

“Of course,” said Farah. She sounded relieved. “That’s exactly what I meant when I said, ‘you could make good use of these for I plan to venture out.’”

Farah resumed, uninterrupted by Greer, “I wish to wander around with open arms and a non-judgmental mind, explore places, meet people, and at the same time benefit others as much as I can.”

“My dear,” stated Greer in a calculated voice. “We don’t do auctions. We don’t transfer one man’s treasure to another. You better contact auctioneers or such.”

Farah motioned Greer onto a large off-white couch. She explained how she had searched charities high and low and decided on theirs because they serve sick children.

“I can truly empathize with the little kids that you work with. I want to return the favor that was once showed to me,” spoke Farah gently, her demure hands folded in her lap showed an old scar from surgery. Greer could see it in Farah’s eyes as if she were reliving the pain.
“I think arranging for an auction shouldn’t be a problem,” stated Greer, wiping away the beads of sweat collected on her brow. “I will open the hatch of the truck.”

Farah beamed a bright smile, half in response to Greer and half anticipating the excitement of the coming days.
Question
How do the different perspectives of Farah and Greer affect the story?
Responses
A Farah’s efforts to convince Greer and Greer’s disbelief for Farah’s idea creates a tone of disappointment.Farah’s efforts to convince Greer and Greer’s disbelief for Farah’s idea creates a tone of disappointment.
B Farah’s desire to help the charity and Greer’s refusal to accept the help creates a tone of confusion.Farah’s desire to help the charity and Greer’s refusal to accept the help creates a tone of confusion.
C Farah’s hope to please Greer and Greer’s disdain for rich people creates a tone of arrogance.Farah’s hope to please Greer and Greer’s disdain for rich people creates a tone of arrogance.
D Farah’s story of childhood illness and Greer’s sympathetic response creates a tone of benevolence.Farah’s story of childhood illness and Greer’s sympathetic response creates a tone of benevolence.

Answer 1

The best response is:

**D Farah’s story of childhood illness and Greer’s sympathetic response creates a tone of benevolence.**

This option captures the overall shift in the interaction between Farah and Greer. While the initial miscommunication and Greer's skepticism create some tension, the sincerity of Farah's intentions and her personal connection to the cause ultimately lead to Greer's sympathy and willingness to help, resulting in a tone of benevolence.