Final answer:
The author placing both good and bad deeds in the same chapter highlights the complexity of character and challenges norms by presenting a more nuanced view of humanity that encompasses both virtues and flaws. Option number a is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of an author placing both good and bad deeds in the same chapter can vary, but it generally serves to highlight the complexity and duality of human character. Such a literary decision emphasizes that individuals are multifaceted, embodying virtues and flaws simultaneously, rather than being one-dimensional.
This approach also challenges socially accepted norms by presenting a more realistic and relatable portrait of humanity. It connects to philosophical discussions about virtue and character, such as those found in Aristotle's ethics, where he suggests that virtues are developed through habitual good actions and states of character arise from like activities. Similarly, literature often explores the duality of man, as seen in works like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, where a single person embodies both good and evil. Also, the mention of a character's deeds relating to their socio-economic status, like in the case of 'The Pedlar,' adds another layer of depth, as it reflects the author's societal concerns and personal experiences.