Question

Which sentence from Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" suggests that Dr. Heidegger's character represents wisdom and reason?

A."My poor Sylvia's rose!" ejaculated Dr. Heidegger, holding it in the light of the sunset clouds; "it appears to be fading again."

B."I love it as well thus, as in its dewy freshness," observed he, pressing the withered rose to his withered lips.

C)"Yes, friends, ye are old again," said Dr. Heidegger, "and lo! the Water of Youth is all lavished on the ground."

D)"If the fountain gushed at my very doorstep, I would not stoop to bathe my lips in it; no, though its delirium were for years instead of moments."

Answer 1

Answer: D)"If the fountain gushed at my very doorstep, I would not stoop to bathe my lips in it; no, though its delirium were for years instead of moments."

The most likely answer would be D. Dr. Heidegger is talking about the "water of youth" (or fountain of youth) and he explains that even if the fountain were right at his doorstep, he would not drink from it. This shows enormous will-power and strength. Therefore, these lines are the ones that better represent wisdom and reason.

Answer 2

In my opinion, out of the sentences offered here the one which best shows how Dr Heidegger's character represents wisdom is D - 'If the fountain gushed at my very doorstep, I would not stoop to bathe my lips I it; no, though its delirium were for years instead of moments.' Here Dr Heidegger is discussing the fountain of youth and how, although he can admit he is tempted by it, he would be able to resist due to his wisdom and powers of reasoning.