Question

evaluate and connect

1. the narrator, the person telling the story, directly addresses readers at the end. what is the effect of this technique? explain.
2. think about your response to the reading focus on page 44. how would you compare your situation with that of the princess or with that of the young man? explain how your situation was similar and how it was different.
3. in what ways is the kings justice like flipping a coin to decide an important question?
4. why is the princess described as \semibarbaric\ rather than barbaric or civilized? in what ways does her semibarbaric nature make her decision more difficult?
5. most stories end by telling you what happens to the main characters. this story leaves it open for the reader to decide. what is your opinion of this type of ending?

Explanation:

1. When the narrator directly addresses readers at the end, it creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy. It pulls the reader into the story's world, making them feel more involved and engaged. It can also leave a lasting impression and prompt reflection.
2. Without knowing the Reading Focus on page 44, in general, one can compare personal situations with characters' by looking at common emotions (like love, jealousy, fear), decision - making processes, and external pressures. Differences may lie in the context, time - period, and specific circumstances.
3. Flipping a coin is a random and arbitrary way of making a decision. The king's justice may be similar in that it seems to have an element of randomness or lack of a fair, in - depth investigation. For example, if the outcome of the king's justice system is not based on evidence but on some pre - determined, seemingly random event (like the choice of doors in a story), it's like coin - flipping.
4. The princess is described as "semi - barbaric" because she has both primitive, passionate, and perhaps violent tendencies (barbaric aspects) but also some level of refinement or civilization. Her semi - barbaric nature makes her decision difficult as her passionate side may conflict with her more civilized, rational side when making a choice, such as choosing between her lover's life and her own jealousy.
5. An open - ended ending can be seen as thought - provoking as it allows readers to use their imagination and interpret the story's conclusion in their own way. It can lead to more discussion and engagement as different readers may have different ideas about what happened. However, some readers may prefer a more definite ending for closure.

Answer:

1. Creates intimacy and engagement, prompts reflection.
2. Compare based on emotions, decision - making, and pressures; differences in context and circumstances.
3. Both are random and lack in - depth investigation.
4. Has both barbaric and civilized traits; conflict between sides makes decision hard.
5. Thought - provoking but may lack closure for some.