Question

Examine the pieces of conversation in the story. How do they reflect the world view of each of the speakers?

Answer 1

The various conversations taking place in bits and pieces during the course of action of the story reflect a lot about people's perception of various issues and attitudes towards each other and humanity in general. We see a very firm and hypocritical attitude prevalent in the tone of Mrs. Croft when the narrator arrived at her place for the first time. This is when for the first time he realised that belonging to a very high standard place was important, anywhere such as Tech or Harvard. The greatness and biasness of Americans to be the first one to step on the moon, considering it an unattainable and impossibly splendid feat to be attained. However, she becomes mild for the first time when she receives the eight dollars from the narrator. Mrs. Croft's orthodox ways become prominently visible when she objects to a lady and a man talking in private without a chaperone. Her conventional ways are quite evident keeping in mind the fact that she had already crossed a hundred. The ways of the western world are shown to be in very high contrast when we see Mrs. Croft's daughter Helen being quite indifferent towards her mother's health or meals. Her casual tone when she says “she might have slipped” might disturb readers. However, even with the differences in opinions, perceptions, and norms, the bond which had developed between the narrator and an American widow of a hundred years is worth appreciation.