How does the author use Gortsby’s initial encounter with the elderly man to develop the story’s theme? (1 point)

Answer 1

In the story, Gortsby’s initial encounter with the elderly man serves to establish the theme of deception and the nature of human judgment. The interaction highlights Gortsby’s skepticism and critical thinking, as he questions the man’s story about being lost and struggling to find his way home. This moment sets the stage for the exploration of perceptions versus reality, as Gortsby’s initial doubt reflects broader themes of trust and appearances. Ultimately, Gortsby’s eventual realization of having been tricked by a clever con artist reinforces the idea that appearances can be misleading, and that one’s judgments can lead to misfortune. This interaction encapsulates the story's commentary on the fragility of human intuition and the ease with which one can be deceived.