Select the correct answer from each drop-down menu.
Read the passage from "The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane:
"If I am going to be drowned--if I am going to be drowned--if I am going to be drowned, why, in the name of the seven mad gods who rule the sea, was I allowed to come thus far and contemplate sand and trees? Was I brought here merely to have my nose dragged away as I was about to nibble the sacred cheese of life?"
What effect does Stephen Crane achieve by repeating the phrase "the sacred cheese" in the short story "The Open Boat"?
Stephen Crane repeats the phrase "the sacred cheese" twice in the story. The phrase is not attributed to any single survivor. So it is believed to reflect
. By repeating the phrase "the sacred cheese," he
.
Stephen Crane repeats the phrase "the sacred cheese" twice in the story. The phrase is not attributed to any single survivor. So it is believed to reflect a sense of disbelief or mockery. By repeating the phrase "the sacred cheese," he emphasizes the absurdity of the situation and the irony of being so close to safety, yet still facing possible death.
Stephen Crane repeats the phrase "the sacred cheese" twice in the story. The phrase is not attributed to any single survivor. So it is believed to reflect the collective thoughts or feelings of the survivors. By repeating the phrase "the sacred cheese," he emphasizes the absurdity and irony of their situation. The survivors are facing the possibility of death, yet they are still contemplating the beauty and meaning of life. The repetition creates a sense of frustration and desperation, highlighting the survivors' struggle to comprehend the meaning and purpose of their existence in the face of impending doom.
To answer this question, we need to understand the effect of Stephen Crane's repetition of the phrase "the sacred cheese" in the short story "The Open Boat." To do this, we can carefully analyze the passage and consider the context.
First, let's break down the given passage from the story:
"If I am going to be drowned--if I am going to be drowned--if I am going to be drowned, why, in the name of the seven mad gods who rule the sea, was I allowed to come thus far and contemplate sand and trees? Was I brought here merely to have my nose dragged away as I was about to nibble the sacred cheese of life?"
The repetition of the phrase "the sacred cheese" occurs in the last sentence. Now, let's consider the two options provided:
- Reflects the frustration and irony felt by the survivors: This can be a plausible interpretation because the repetition creates a sense of frustration and irony. The narrator, while facing the possibility of drowning, questions the purpose of being brought so far only to have their chance at survival potentially snatched away. The image of "nibbling the sacred cheese of life" suggests how the survivors feel they are being denied the enjoyment and fulfillment of life.
- Highlights the survivors' longing for something familiar and comforting: This option provides a different perspective. The repetition of the phrase "the sacred cheese" may indicate that amidst their desperate situation, the survivors long for something familiar and comforting. The mention of "cheese" could be seen as a symbol of nourishment and sustenance, something they crave in their ordeal.
To determine the correct answer, we should examine the text more closely and consider which interpretation best aligns with Stephen Crane's purpose in using this repetition. We could search for additional clues in the story or try to find critical analyses or annotations that provide insights into the symbolism of "the sacred cheese" in relation to the overall themes and messages of "The Open Boat."
Given the limited context provided, it is not possible to definitively select the correct answer. However, by engaging in further analysis and research, you can arrive at a more informed conclusion.