Question

Hemingway uses ✔ indirect characterization to develop the character of the narrator in this passage. what does this passage reveal about the narrator? he looks down upon the drivers and up to his superiors. he is not respected by his superiors, but he is respected by the drivers. he is respected by the drivers and by his superiors. A) He looks down upon the drivers and up to his superiors. B) He is not respected by his superiors, but he is respected by the drivers. C) He is respected by the drivers and by his superiors.

Answer 1

Hemingway's use of indirect characterization creates complex character relationships and leaves details open to interpretation. The answer to the question depends on textual evidence, but Hemingway’s characters are typically portrayed as competent and dignified, suggesting the narrator may be respected by both peers and superiors. Without the passage, this can only be an educated guess.

Step-by-step explanation:

In The Old Man and the Sea, Hemingway employs indirect characterization to develop his characters, a technique that relies on the reader's interpretation of character actions and dialogue rather than explicit descriptions provided by the author. This subtlety in characterization allows for complex character relationships and allows the reader to infer traits and motivations. Hemingway's distinctive narrative style often leaves out many details about the characters' histories, leaving much to the imagination and analysis of the reader, which can lead to diverse interpretations of the characters’ respect and status within the narrative context.

Regarding the specific question, without the passage, it is challenging to determine the exact relationship between the narrator, the drivers, and his superiors. However, a common theme in Hemingway's work is characters who possess a strong sense of dignity and competence in their respective roles, which often garners the respect of their peers. Based on this understanding of Hemingway's characters, it could be inferred that the narrator may well be respected by both the drivers and the superiors—an interpretation that aligns with option C: He is respected by the drivers and by his superiors. Nevertheless, the ultimate answer requires specific textual evidence from the given passage.

Answer 2

The narrator in Hemingway's portrayal is confident and self-assured, with a sense of superiority over less experienced individuals, but is still under the oversight of his superior, Mr. Bixby.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question seeks to understand how Ernest Hemingway employs indirect characterization to develop his narrator's character. The passage reveals that the narrator perceives himself with a degree of self-conceit, confident in his abilities as a steersman and, as indicated by his high-held nose, looking down on those beneath him—signifying a tendency to overestimate his own importance or skill. However, the fact that Mr. Bixby only intervenes on particularly challenging occasions suggests that, while the narrator may not command the respect he desires from his superiors, his competence is acknowledged to the extent that his superior feels confident to let him manage the routine tasks, implying a nuanced respect from the drivers and Mr. Bixby.