QuestionMay 21, 2025

How is Bierce's theme "people cannot escape reality through romantic fantasy" developed throughout the story. Consider the story's structure, predictions you made, use of motifs, and narration in your response.

How is Bierce's theme "people cannot escape reality through romantic fantasy" developed throughout the story. Consider the story's structure, predictions you made, use of motifs, and narration in your response.
How is Bierce's theme "people cannot escape reality through romantic fantasy" developed throughout the story. Consider the story's structure,
predictions you made, use of motifs, and narration in your response.

Solution
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Answer

In Bierce's story, the structure contrasts characters' romantic fantasies with their grim realities, illustrating the inevitable clash between dreams and truth. Predictions made about character outcomes often lead to ironic twists, reinforcing the motif of disillusionment. The narrator’s objective tone further highlights the stark differences between illusion and reality, ultimately conveying that romantic escapism is futile in the face of life's harshness. This thematic exploration serves as a critique of human tendencies to seek solace in fantasy rather than confronting uncomfortable truths. Explanation Bierce develops the theme that "people cannot escape reality through romantic fantasy" by structuring the narrative to juxtapose idealized perceptions with harsh truths. The use of motifs such as disillusionment and irony, along with a detached narration, emphasizes the futility of escaping reality.

Explanation

Bierce develops the theme that "people cannot escape reality through romantic fantasy" by structuring the narrative to juxtapose idealized perceptions with harsh truths. The use of motifs such as disillusionment and irony, along with a detached narration, emphasizes the futility of escaping reality.
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