What literary purpose does the Macdonald family serve in the story?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: To show different fatherly natures through comparison
The Macdonald family functions as a foil, or contrasting example, for Kezia’s father. Kezia watches Mr Macdonald playing freely with his children and notices that his affection is open, cheerful, and physically expressive. This scene makes her compare him with her own serious and reserved father. The comparison initially strengthens her belief that her father is unusually hard, but it also helps readers examine different ways in which fathers may show love. The Macdonalds do not make the plot frightening, arrange Kezia’s schooling, or explain Grandmother’s illness. Their main literary purpose is therefore contrast: they clarify the father’s personality through comparison.
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What is the correct answer to this question?
To show different fatherly natures through comparison
Why is this the correct answer?
The Macdonald family functions as a foil, or contrasting example, for Kezia’s father. Kezia watches Mr Macdonald playing freely with his children and notices that his affection is open, cheerful, and physically expressive. This scene makes her compare him with her own serious and reserved father. The comparison initially strengthens her belief that her father is unusually hard, but it also helps readers examine different ways in which fathers may show love. The Macdonalds do not make the plot frightening, arrange Kezia’s schooling, or explain Grandmother’s illness. Their main literary purpose is therefore contrast: they clarify the father’s personality through comparison.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 9 English question. Chapter: The Little Girl. Topic: Parent-child relationships.
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