Question

samuel clemens (1835 - 1910), recognized by his pen name mark twain, was an american author and humorist best known for his novel the adventures of huckleberry finn. during the philippine - american war, twain became increasingly opposed to imperialism and wrote the following story in this time period. as you read, take notes on how the resolution impacts the overall story. (1) it was a time of great and exalting excitement. the country was up in arms, the war was on, in every breast burned the holy fire of patriotism, the drums were beating, the bands playing, the toy pistols popping, the bunched firecrackers hissing and spluttering, on every hand and far down the receding and fading spread of roofs and balconies a fluttering wilderness of flags flashed in the sun; daily the young volunteers marched down the wide avenue gay and fine in their new uniforms, the proud fathers and mothers and sisters and sweethearts cheering them with voices choked with happy emotion as they swung by; nightly the packed mass meetings listened, panting, to patriotic oratory which stirred the deepest deeps of their hearts, and which they interrupted at briefest intervals with cyclones of applause, the tears running down their cheeks the while; in the churches the pastors preached devotion to flag and country and invoked the god of battles, beseeching his aid in our good cause in outpouring of fervid eloquence which moved every listener. it was indeed a glad and gracious time, and the half dozen rash spirits that ventured to disapprove of the war and cast a doubt upon its righteousness straightway got such a stern and angry warning that for their personal safetys sake they quickly shrank out of sight and offended no more. 1. part a: which of the following statements best summarizes a theme of the text? a. bravery means refusing to fight in a war that one does not believe in, instead of joining a fight because of social pressure. b. people will naturally come together when threatened by an enemy and will do whatever it takes to feel safe again. c. war is necessary for the protection and prosperity of a nation, and so the costs of war are justified by their ends. d. advocating for war not only means supporting the fight for peace and victory, but also supporting the death and destruction of ones enemies.

Explanation:

Mark Twain was against imperialism. Analyzing the text's tone and themes, the passage seems to critique the jingoistic atmosphere of war. Option A aligns with the idea of standing up against a war one doesn't believe in, which is in - line with Twain's anti - imperialist stance.

Answer:

A. Bravery means refusing to fight in a war that one does not believe in, instead of joining a fight because of social pressure.