Question #N1223

The novel opens with a description of the protagonist's childhood home, a modest cottage nestled among rolling hills. The author then contrasts this idyllic setting with the harsh realities of the protagonist's adult life in the city, where he struggles to find his place in a world that seems increasingly indifferent to his dreams and aspirations. What is the most likely reason why the writer contrasts the protagonist's childhood home with his adult life?

The contrast between the protagonist's childhood home and his adult life serves to
A. highlight the protagonist's sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.
B. emphasize the protagonist's desire for a more fulfilling life.
C. reveal the protagonist's growing disillusionment with the world.
D. suggest that the protagonist's childhood experiences have shaped his adult life.

Correct Answer is: C

The contrast between the protagonist's idyllic childhood home and his harsh adult life serves to highlight the protagonist's growing disillusionment with the world. By contrasting the two settings, the author emphasizes the loss of innocence and the harsh realities that the protagonist faces in his adult life. This creates a sense of pathos for the reader and suggests that the protagonist's dreams and aspirations are being slowly crushed by the indifference of the world.