(Do not answer if you don't know the answer) While a fictional story, “The Pit and the Pendulum” is based on the real events of the Spanish Inquisition, during which religious and political leaders inflicted torture upon dissidents. In the context of this story and the greater history of the Inquisition, how does power corrupt? Why does it corrupt? What effects does this have? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

He said it was because a private detective sees the dark side of human nature. but whatever the reason, gill landers had an innate suspicion of politicians. when senator randy brill walked into his office on that summer day in august, mopping his flushed features with a monogrammed handkerchief, gill could think of no good reason to change his attitude. he'd only met brill once. that had been two years ago at a country club reception for state political notables. since then, he'd learned all he wanted to know about the senator's sinister reputation. gill sat back in his chair, put his feet on his desk, and fought to keep a poker face. but there was no way he could stop the chill that coursed along his spine like a rush of ice water. 29. in this paragraph, the word notables probably signifies that the persons so described a. would like to be politicians. b. are wealthy people. c. have political influence. d. are contributors to charity.

Which line from “a simple way to create suspense” best supports the central idea that writers should not give their readers answers too quickly? a. the reader learns to chase, and the momentum becomes unstoppable. b. so writers are taught to focus on ingredients and their combination. c. we had to invent a solution to the serious problem it posed. d. thus the principle works in a micro sense, as well as in a macro one.

Describe the misfit’s experience of the world. to what extent can his criminality be attributed to the conditions of his life? even though he is not in jail, is he a free man?