Sure! Here are responses to two of the tasks based on the story provided.
Mastery Task: Cause-and-Effect Relationships
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Cause: Judson Webb’s anger about his liquor being stolen leads him to retaliate by poisoning a bottle of whiskey.
Effect: This decision is driven by his desire for revenge and the belief that he has the right to protect his property at any cost, showcasing a lethal sense of justice.
Text Evidence: “If a man holds me up and robs me of five dollars it makes me just as sore as if he took a hundred. A thief’s a thief.” -
Cause: Marcia's pleas for Judson not to poison the whiskey demonstrate her moral opposition to his plan.
Effect: Her resistance creates tension between them, highlighting the stark contrast in their values and ultimately showcasing her helplessness in the face of Judson’s determination.
Text Evidence: “It’s horrible — it’s murder.” -
Cause: Judson’s fall results from slipping on an acorn while retrieving his hunting boots.
Effect: This moment of physical irony causes him to unknowingly consume the very poison intended for a thief, potentially rendering him a victim of his own vindictiveness.
Text Evidence: “Judson, reaching for his boots, stepped fairly upon the acorn, his foot slid from under him and his head struck the massive table as he fell.”
Interpersonal Task: Judson's Justice
In the context of the story, Judson’s decision to take justice into his own hands is deeply flawed and ethically questionable. While his anger towards theft is understandable, the drastic measure of poisoning the liquor elevates his lack of judgement to an extreme. Justice should ideally come through legal channels, rather than personal vendetta. His actions show a loss of perspective, where the desire for retribution overshadows moral considerations.
As for his wife, Marcia faces immense pressure now that she knows about Judson's cruel plan. She is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her moral beliefs, creating a psychological burden as she grapples with the potential consequences of his actions. The knowledge of Judson’s intentions puts her in a position where she may need to consider whether to intervene further, potentially putting herself in opposition to him or risk carrying the heavy weight of complicity should something go awry through his vindictive scheme.
Feel free to let me know if you'd like adjustments or additional responses!