Calvin's sarcastic statement suggests that he views Mr. K and his ideas as outdated and ridiculous. By invoking the image of the "Stone Age," Calvin is mocking Mr. K's attempt to present a seemingly archaic and convoluted method of understanding and empathy, contrasting it with modern technology like e-readers. This sarcasm implies that Calvin perceives Mr. K as out of touch with contemporary advancements and educational methods, indicating a lack of respect for Mr. K's authority and the value of his proposed device. Calvin's dismissive tone reflects his belief that Mr. K's approach is impractical and irrelevant to a student like him, further indicating a sense of superiority in his worldview and a reluctance to engage with Mr. K’s more idealistic vision of empathy and understanding.
The Substitute
Nate Dern
Mr. K reached into his pocket. Calvin stood and stepped back. Mr. K pulled out what appeared to be a smooth, obsidian orb with a single indentation on the top. He placed it gingerly in the center of the teacher’s desk. The orb pulsed with energy.
“What’s that?” Calvin asked.
“It’s called a Substituter,” Mr. K said.
Calvin rolled his eyes. “The substitute teacher with the Substituter. Got it. What’s it supposed to do?”
“You know how when you read a book, it’s sort of like the author is putting their words directly into your mind? Think of it like that, except it’s technologically advanced to the point where it can directly interface with the consciousness of whoever holds it. See that small groove on the top? You place your palm there, you’ll feel a small prick, and the interface begins. It doesn’t hurt. Some describe it as causing a pleasant dizzy sensation.”
“Uh, sorry to burst this bubble you got going on here,” Calvin said, “but we have e-readers now. You didn’t travel back to the Stone Age. And our e-readers don’t have to stab you to turn on.”
“I know that, Calvin. Am I Billy Pilgrim? Have the Tralfamadorians unstuck me from time and plopped me here?”
“Huh?”
“You’re being willfully obstinate, Calvin. It’s no wonder the teachers… never mind,” Mr. K said. He composed himself, then continued. “Look, this device does more than that. With normal books, a reader can sometimes stop paying attention. Readers can skim or their mind can drift. They can miss the point. That’s not possible with this device. It’s not mere reading, it’s a pure mindmeld between two consciousnesses. In other words, it generates complete empathy and understanding with the viewpoint of another. You can swap — or substitute, if you will — a more useful worldview than the one you’ve had your entire life.”
Write: What does Calvin's sarcastic statement about his point of view of Mr.K suggest about his point of view of Mr.K?
(Remember, sarcasm is when a character says the opposite of what they mean,often in an exaggerated, mocking tone)
“Uh, sorry to burst this bubble you got going on here,” Calvin said, “but we have e-readers now. You didn’t travel back to the Stone Age. And our e-readers don’t have to stab you to turn on.”
(Paragraph 43)
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