Question

select the correct answer from the drop-down menu.

which statement best describes the way the author of
ew chicago\ drew on \the monkeys paw\ in her own text?

the author of
ew chicago\ had her character cole choose an answer

options in drop-down:

• possess needs and desires identical to mr. whites
• learn the same lesson that mr. white learned
• experience the same joyful outcome as mr. white
• have a background similar to mr. whites

Explanation:

Analyze the relationship between the texts

Using the Source Text Adaptation and Comparative Literature knowledge points

"New Chicago" is a modern adaptation of W.W. Jacobs' classic short story "The Monkey's Paw." In "The Monkey's Paw," Mr. White makes wishes that lead to tragic consequences, ultimately learning a harsh lesson about trying to alter fate. In "New Chicago," the protagonist Cole also makes wishes using a magical object (a monkey's paw) to solve his problems, which similarly backfires and leads to tragic outcomes, forcing him to learn the same moral lesson about fate and consequences.

Evaluate the drop-down options

Using the Comparative Literature knowledge point

• possess needs and desires identical to Mr. White's: Incorrect. Cole's specific modern needs (such as helping his brother or dealing with modern urban struggles) differ from Mr. White's domestic, middle-class desires.
• learn the same lesson that Mr. White learned: Correct. Both characters learn that interfering with fate brings grief and that wishes come with a terrible price.
• experience the same joyful outcome as Mr. White: Incorrect. Neither story has a joyful outcome; both end in tragedy.
• have a background similar to Mr. White's: Incorrect. Cole's background in a modern, urban setting ("New Chicago") is very different from Mr. White's quiet, suburban English lifestyle.

Answer:

• possess needs and desires identical to Mr. White's
• learn the same lesson that Mr. White learned (Correct answer)
• experience the same joyful outcome as Mr. White
• have a background similar to Mr. White's