The author satirizes society’s notions of what makes a person civilized through Zaroff’s comparing his prison to a school. This is illustrated by Zaroff's casual demeanor and his claim that he treats his human "pupils" with respect and care, despite the fact that they are actually being hunted. His statements about providing good food and exercise contrast sharply with the violent reality of the situation, highlighting the absurdity of his justification for his actions and challenging the reader's understanding of civilization and morality.
The general chuckled. "They indicate a channel," he said, "where there's none: giant rocks with razor edges crouch like a sea monster with wide-open jaws. They can crush a ship as easily as I crush this nut." He dropped a walnut on the hardwood floor and brought his heel grinding down on it. "Oh, yes," he said, casually, as if in answer to a question. "I have electricity. We try to be civilized here."
"Civilized? And you shoot down men?"
A trace of anger was in the general's black eyes, but it was there for but a second, and he said, in his most pleasant manner: "Dear me, what a righteous young man you are! I assure you I do not do the thing you suggest. That would be barbarous. I treat these visitors with every consideration. They get plenty of good food and exercise. They get into splendid physical condition. You shall see for yourself tomorrow."
"What do you mean?"
"We'll visit my training school," smiled the general. "It's in the cellar. I have about a dozen pupils down there now. They're from the Spanish bark Sanlûcar that had the bad luck to go on the rocks cut there. A very inferior lot, regret to say. Poor specimens and more accustomed to the deck than to the jungle."
Question
Use the paragraphs to answer the question.
How does the author use satire to develop meaning in these paragraphs?
(1 point)
Responses
The author uses the narrator’s descriptions of both men during the conversation to satirize the idea that hunting is a game.
The author uses the narrator’s descriptions of both men during the conversation to satirize the idea that hunting is a game.
The author uses Rainsford’s questions to satirize ideas about what constitutes polite society.
The author uses Rainsford’s questions to satirize ideas about what constitutes polite society.
The author uses Zaroff’s description of the Spanish sailors to satirize overly simplistic stereotypes.
The author uses Zaroff’s description of the Spanish sailors to satirize overly simplistic stereotypes.
The author satirizes society’s notions of what makes a person civilized through Zaroff’s comparing his prison to a school.
The author satirizes society’s notions of what makes a person civilized through Zaroff’s comparing his prison to a school.
1 answer
1 answer