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Questions and Answers
What role does the tax collector play in the village?
The tax collector wields immense power in the town and causes fear among villagers.
How does the setting advance the plot and establish conflict?
The geographic distance between the capital and the town emphasizes the oppression of a government that is out of touch with its people.
What is established in the last paragraph of the short story that explains the townspeople's attitude about the way the town runs?
The people of the town have come to expect—and even rely on—the refusal.
What effect do the soldiers have on the town?
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Which people in the town are not satisfied with the refusals?
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The disconnect between the town and the capital is shown when the narrator says that the capital ___________ and none of the townspeople knew.
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Who is the highest official in the town?
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The narrator's father was a ____________.
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What was the delegation coming to the chief tax collector about?
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Study Notes
Tax Collector's Role
- The tax collector holds significant power in the village, instilling fear and controlling the population.
Setting and Conflict
- The geographical separation between the capital and the village highlights the oppressive nature of a government disconnected from its citizens.
Townspeople's Attitudes
- By the end of the story, townspeople have adapted to the status quo, depending on the ongoing refusal to comply with external demands.
Impact of Soldiers
- Soldiers stationed in the town create an atmosphere of intimidation among residents, reinforcing feelings of oppression.
Dissatisfaction Among Youth
- Younger townspeople express discontent with the refusals, lacking awareness of the potential dangers associated with confronting the capital.
Disconnect with the Capital
- The narrator reveals that the capital was destroyed and replaced, a change unknown to the townspeople, underscoring their isolation.
Chief Tax Collector
- The most authoritative figure in the town is the chief tax collector, who oversees taxation and compliance.
Narrator's Family Background
- The narrator's father worked as a blacksmith, indicating a connection to traditional trades and local craftsmanship.
Purpose of Delegation
- A delegation visits the chief tax collector seeking a government subsidy to support those affected by a fire that devastated the poorest area of the town.
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Description
Test your understanding of 'The Refusal' with these flashcards. Explore key roles and conflicts presented in the text, including the significant influence of the tax collector. Delve into how the setting shapes the narrative and character dynamics.
