A Time of Gifts m-c questions
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What does the author mean by the 'lost meaning of a grand old word' when describing ground zero?

  • The overwhelming sadness and depression felt at the site
  • The destruction and rubble that remains at ground zero
  • The solemnity and awe that inspires people's actions there (correct)
  • The depraved nature of the terrorist attack that occurred

    • What is the significance of the 'dozen apple brown bettys' that the cook gave the author?

  • It represents the small but meaningful acts of solidarity and kindness that are overwhelming the power of the terrorist act (correct)
  • It highlights the author's personal connection to the rescue efforts through his wife and stepdaughter
  • It demonstrates the author's initial misunderstanding of the importance of such small gestures
  • It shows how the rescue workers were in desperate need of food and basic supplies

    • What does the author mean when he says the 'joke turned on me' regarding the apple brown bettys?

  • The author was trying to distribute the desserts as a joke, but the rescue workers took them seriously
  • The author initially underestimated the significance of the small gesture, but then realized its true importance (correct)
  • The author was trying to lighten the mood with a joke, but the rescue workers did not appreciate the humor
  • The author was trying to make a joke about the trivial nature of the desserts, but it backfired

    • What is the significance of the author seeing the 'older man in a young crowd, sitting alone in utter exhaustion' and giving him the last apple brown betty?

    <p>It represents the small acts of kindness that are lifting the spirits of the exhausted rescue workers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main message or lesson the author wants to convey through the stories and examples in the text?

    <p>The small acts of kindness and solidarity from ordinary people are more powerful than the terrorist's vision of fear</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the balance between decency and depravity in human history?

    <p>Acts of kindness vastly outnumber acts of evil, but the latter have greater potential for destruction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's perspective on the relationship between complexity and destruction?

    <p>Complex systems can only be built gradually, while destruction can occur instantly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the author refer to as the 'Great Asymmetry'?

    <p>The disparity between the potential for destruction in rare acts of evil and the frequency of good deeds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's perspective on the perception of human behavior in the face of catastrophic events?

    <p>Catastrophic events distort our perception of ordinary human behavior towards depravity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the passage, what does the author suggest is our 'duty' or 'holy responsibility'?

    <p>To record and honor the innumerable acts of kindness that outweigh rare acts of evil</p> Signup and view all the answers

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