Question

Which is the main point of paragraph 5?

a. The author wants to show what happens when people are greedy.
b. The author wants to show Ishmael's excessive greed.
c. People, including Ishmael, desire money, despite the social and Biblical warnings about its evil nature.
d. People, not including Ishmael, desire money, despite the social and Biblical warning about its evil nature.

Answer 1

Paragraph 5 addresses the broader societal consequences of greed, and its impact on historical issues such as slavery and race relations, not the personal greed of a single individual.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main point of paragraph 5 seems to focus on the social and economic consequences of greed, particularly relating to the institution of slavery and the justifications that followed to condone it. It does not dwell upon Ishmael's personal greed but rather on the collective greed of society and its impact on race relations and human dignity. Thus, the correct answer would be (a) The author wants to show what happens when people are greedy, as it encompasses the broader scope of societal issues rather than singling out Ishmael or excluding him.