Question

question 1

now that you know a little about the setting, what statement best expresses why the author might have opened her novel with a scene where the protagonist is asked to choose between croatian and serbian cigarettes?

that scene sets up the tension for a much larger conflict where being croatian or serbian has more significant consequences.
that scene sets up the idea that wars are unhealthy like cigarettes are unhealthy.
that scene sets up a sense that children are going to be hurt in the conflict, since children shouldnt be buying cigarettes anyway.
that scene sets up a conflict about whether we should do what our families ask us to do or not.

Explanation:

Analyze the symbolic choice

Using the Literary Analysis and Authorial Intent knowledge points

The protagonist's choice between Croatian and Serbian cigarettes serves as a micro-level representation of the macro-level ethnic and political tensions of the region. By starting with a seemingly trivial choice that carries heavy nationalistic weight, the author introduces the underlying division of the society.

Evaluate the options

Using the Textual Evidence Analysis knowledge point

• Option 1: Correct. The choice of cigarettes introduces national identity divisions, foreshadowing a larger conflict where these identities carry life-or-death consequences.
• Option 2: Incorrect. Comparing war to the physical health risks of smoking is a superficial reading that misses the political and cultural context.
• Option 3: Incorrect. The focus on children buying cigarettes is a literal distraction and does not align with the thematic weight of the ethnic division.
• Option 4: Incorrect. The central conflict is societal and political, not a domestic dispute about family obedience.

Answer:

• (A) That scene sets up the tension for a much larger conflict where being Croatian or Serbian has more significant consequences. (Correct answer)
• (B) That scene sets up the idea that wars are unhealthy like cigarettes are unhealthy.
• (C) That scene sets up a sense that children are going to be hurt in the conflict, since children shouldn't be buying cigarettes anyway.
• (D) That scene sets up a conflict about whether we should do what our families ask us to do or not.