Author Question: What is it about Paul that so disturbs his teachers? Recall any of his traitsthat they find ... (Read 89 times)

faduma · **on:** Jul 20, 2018

What is it about Paul that so disturbs his teachers? Recall any of his traitsthat they find irritating, any actions that trouble them. Do they irritate or trouble you?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Where in Bierces story do you find examples of irony?

What will be an ideal response?

tuate · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The boys dandyism, his defiance, and his unconcealed contempt disturb his teachers beyond all reason. They also disturb many readers, who find a discrepancy between their own negative feelings about Paul and the fondness Cather seems to feel toward him. The school principal and Pauls art teacher are able to muster sympathy for the boy (par. 7, but they dont claim to understand him.

Answer to Question 2

There is irony in the contrast between the understated title and the extravagant style of the narrator. Ironic, too, is the mention of Farquhars belief that alls fair in love and wara belief shared by the Federal Scout who lures Farquhar to his capture and death. Verbal irony occurs in Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him (par. 2), and The liberal military code makes provision for hanging many kinds of persons, and gentlemen are not excluded (par. 3). Students may find other examples as well.