How is Elijah's perspective on Joe important to the development of the story's theme?

A

By the end of the story, Elijah thinks Joe is strong for facing off against Spunk, which reinforces the importance of facing one's fears.

B

Elijah believes that Joe is stupid for trying to kill Spunk, which conveys the message that rash decisions are the most dangerous.

C

Eventually, Elijah views Joe as brave for attacking Spunk despite his fear, which supports the idea that an individual's reputation is at the whim of public opinion.

D

After Joe attacks Spunk from behind, Elijah views Joe as cowardly, which demonstrates the concept that courage can only exist in the presence of fear.

B. Elijah believes that Joe is stupid for trying to kill Spunk, which conveys the message that rash decisions are the most dangerous.

Explanation:

This is an example of how Elijah's pespective on Joe is important to the development of the story's theme. In the story "Spunk," we learn a lot about the characters due to the comments and gossip of the people of the town, particularly men. The men in the town talk about Lena and her affair, and they are also responsible for pushing Joe to act in order to end the affair. However, when he acts and is killed, Elijah believes Joe to be stupid for trying to kill Spunk. This conveys the message that rash decisions are the most dangerous ones.

Answer

B

Elijah believes that Joe is stupid for trying to kill Spunk, which conveys the message that rash decisions are the most dangerous.