There was an improvised platform at the end of the common closest to Jackson Street. There in the center of a group of men, whom she knew by their worn clothes to be workers, was a stranger with a bright red bow tie sticking out of his overcoat. The crowd roared at the sight of him. "Ettor! Ettor!" they cried. So this was the dangerous Joe Ettor. He seemed hardly threatening to Rosa. He was not so tall as Papa had been, but he did have the same mass of curly dark hair, and he smiled at the marchers as he raised his hands for silence. Immediately, the crowd was still, and Rosa could hear his voice ringing in the cold air.

Question

There was an improvised platform at the end of the common closest to Jackson Street. There in the center of a group of men, whom she knew by their worn clothes to be workers, was a stranger with a bright red bow tie sticking out of his overcoat. The crowd roared at the sight of him. "Ettor! Ettor!" they cried. So this was the dangerous Joe Ettor. He seemed hardly threatening to Rosa. He was not so tall as Papa had been, but he did have the same mass of curly dark hair, and he smiled at the marchers as he raised his hands for silence. Immediately, the crowd was still, and Rosa could hear his voice ringing in the cold air.
From Katherine Paterson, Bread and Roses, Too. Copyright 2006 by Minna Murra, Inc.
The previous text suggested that Ettor brought unity to different groups of strikers.
 How does this historical novel build on or challenge that idea?

it illustrates ettor's popularity with strike participants.
it demonstarates how ettor helped strike participants organize.
it explains how ettor rose power during the strike.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The historical novel "Bread and Roses, Too" illustrates Ettor's popularity with strike participants by portraying him at the center of an enthusiastic crowd, demonstrating how he inspired and united the workers through his charisma and leadership. The scene where the crowd roars his name reflects his ability to connect with the workers and garner their support, indicating that he is seen as a figurehead for their cause.

At the same time, the novel also demonstrates how Ettor helped strike participants organize by showing how he effectively communicated with them, bringing a sense of order and focus to their efforts. His actions and words contribute to a collective sense of purpose among the workers, highlighting his role as a unifying force.

However, the narrative may also challenge the idea of unity by revealing the complexities and divisions within the different groups of strikers. While Ettor is a popular leader, there may be underlying tensions or differing motivations among the workers, suggesting that unity is not entirely straightforward.

In summary, the novel primarily supports the idea of Ettor's unifying influence by illustrating his popularity and organizational skills, while also hinting at potential challenges to that unity. The text emphasizes the importance of leadership in collective movements and how a figure like Ettor can inspire a diverse group to come together, even if the realities of their situation may present difficulties.