1. PART A: Which TWO statements best express themes in this story? A. Community members determine an individual’s social standing and identity

through their personal judgments.

B. When gossip spreads, a person should defend their reputation, no matter the

consequences.

C. Killing another person, even in self-defense, is morally wrong, since all human

life is valuable.

D. Sometimes fear prevents people from taking action, but it can also push them to

take risks.

E. Seeking revenge for violence is the best way to ensure justice and create lasting

peace.

F. It is best to put the needs of the community above the needs of the individual.

The two statements that best express themes in this story are:

A. Community members determine an individual’s social standing and identity  through their personal judgments.

B. When gossip spreads, a person should defend their reputation, no matter the  consequences.

Explanation:

This question is about the short story "Spunk", by author Zora Neale Hurston. The character Joe Kanty is seen by his community as coward, fearful man. He hasn't had the courage to face and fight Spunk Banks, who is Joe's wife's lover. Spunk walks around the town with Lena - Joe's wife -, proudly, knowing that his strength and courage prevents Joe from doing something.

The story shows how the town's men are quick to judge others. They watch as the affair unveils, and even interfere. Elijah teases Joe about the fact that Spunk has just passed by, taking by the arm Lena into the woods. Clearly, their opinion has a great deal of influence over Joe. Even though he is afraid, he chooses to defend his honor and go after Spunk. He does not have a chance, however. He carries only a blade, while Spunk has a gun. Joe ends up killed.

Still, even though he is dead, Joe does not seem to give up. He comes back - at least that's what Spunk and the other characters believe - to haunt him and take revenge. Eventually, he pushes Spunk onto a cutting saw and kills him. It cost him his life, but Joe is finally respected by the men in town. They now see him as brave. Even Joe's father attends Spunk's wake and stands by the his dead body triumphantly.