A Fable
by Mark Twain
Once upon a time an artist who had painted a small and very beautiful picture placed it so that he could see it in the mirror. He said, “This doubles the distance and softens it, and it is twice as lovely as it was before.”
The animals out in the woods heard of this through the housecat, who was greatly admired by them because he was so learned, and so refined and civilized, and so polite and high-bred, and could tell them so much which they didn't know before, and were not certain about afterward. They were much excited about this new piece of gossip, and they asked questions, so as to get at a full understanding of it. They asked what a picture was, and the cat explained.
“It is a flat thing,” he said; “wonderfully flat, marvelously flat, enchantingly flat and elegant. And, oh, so beautiful!”
That excited them almost to a frenzy, and they said they would give the world to see it. Then the bear asked:
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Question
Use the story to answer the question.
How do the cat’s motivations advance the plot?
(1 point)
Responses
The cat’s determination to bring interesting news to the other animals causes him to embellish and lie about something and set the plot in motion.
The cat’s determination to bring interesting news to the other animals causes him to embellish and lie about something and set the plot in motion.
The cat’s determination to be seen a certain way by the other animals causes him to brag about something and set the plot in motion.
The cat’s determination to be seen a certain way by the other animals causes him to brag about something and set the plot in motion.
The cat’s desire to know more than the other animals causes him to withhold the truth and refuse to resolve the plot.
The cat’s desire to know more than the other animals causes him to withhold the truth and refuse to resolve the plot.
The cat’s desire to prove he was right and others were wrong causes him to take actions that resolve the plot.
The cat’s determination to bring interesting news to the other animals causes him to embellish and lie about something and set the plot in motion.
not the right answer
Apologies for the incorrect response. Let's try again.
The cat’s determination to be seen a certain way by the other animals causes him to brag about something and set the plot in motion.
The correct answer is: The cat’s determination to bring interesting news to the other animals causes him to embellish and lie about something and set the plot in motion.
In the story, the cat is admired by the other animals for being knowledgeable and refined. His motivation to maintain this image and be seen as interesting causes him to exaggerate and lie about the artist's painting. He embellishes the truth to make the painting seem even more marvelous and beautiful when he describes it to the other animals.
This action sets the plot in motion because the other animals become excited and curious about the painting, expressing their desire to see it. This creates anticipation and leads to further events and actions within the story. Ultimately, the cat's motivation to bring interesting news drives the progression of the plot.