Question

Why does Jack hesitate when he lifts the knife to kill the piglet and what does he promise to do next time he meets a pig?

A) He is afraid of blood; He promises to be more careful.
B) He feels empathy for the piglet; He promises to apologize.
C) He is unsure of himself; He promises to sharpen the knife.
D) He is a vegetarian; He promises to find another source of food.

Answer 1

Jack hesitates because of a moment of doubt in his ability to kill, promising next time to overcome his hesitation and carry out the act.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jack hesitates when he lifts the knife to kill the piglet because he feels uneasy about the act of killing; it is not the sight of blood or empathy for the piglet that stays his hand, nor is he a vegetarian with moral objections. Instead, his hesitation is due to a moment of doubt about his ability to actually go through with the violent act.

He promises that next time he will not hesitate; he will be more resolved to complete the deed, indicating that he intends to overcome his uncertainty and be ready to kill without reservation.