Remembering and Reflecting on the Holocaust

Question 6 • Common Core ELA 11 - ELA3011 IC

How does this example of irony help develop the character of Mr. Shiftlet?

Answer

It shows that despite his immoral actions toward Lucynell, he doesn’t think he’s part of the “slime.”

It illustrates that he made the right decision when he left Lucynell and picked up the boy instead.

It reinforces the idea that he regrets his actions toward Lucynell and is seeking forgiveness.

Explanation

After abandoning Lucynell, Mr. Shiftlet asks God to “wash the slime from this earth,” condemning the world’s corruption. The irony is that he has just acted cruelly and selfishly himself, yet speaks as though the wrongdoing belongs to other people. This shows his hypocrisy and his failure to recognize himself as part of the “slime.”

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Remembering and Reflecting on the Holocaust