Question

Find similarities and differences between circumstances in "The Pit and the Pendulum and John McCain's story.

Answer 1

The similarities between Poe's "The Pit and the Pendulum" and McCain's POW experiences lie in facing harrowing circumstances with resilience. Differences include the fictional versus real-life nature, and the impact on real-world policies in McCain's case.

Step-by-step explanation:

The similarities between Edgar Allan Poe's "The Pit and the Pendulum" and Senator John McCain's story are primarily thematic. In both narratives, individuals face harrowing circumstances that test their resolve and humanity. The unnamed protagonist in Poe's story faces the terror of imminent death in a dark, hidden dungeon during the Spanish Inquisition, filled with psychological and physical torture. Similarly, as a POW, McCain endured years of torture but maintained his principles, refusing to participate in the defamation of his country, demonstrating resilience and fortitude in dire situations.

The key differences between these accounts are their nature and outcome. Poe's tale is a fictional story designed to invoke fear and suspense in the reader. In contrast, McCain's experiences are real and reflect a personal narrative of survival and ethical steadfastness, impacting real-world policies and his political career.

Answer 2

In "The Pit and the Pendulum" and John McCain's story, there are similarities and differences in their circumstances.

Step-by-step explanation:

In "The Pit and the Pendulum" and John McCain's story, there are similarities and differences in their circumstances. Both stories involve individuals facing challenging situations and demonstrating resilience. In "The Pit and the Pendulum," the main character is under the threat of death, and he navigates the terrifying circumstances to survive. Similarly, John McCain endured years of torture in a prisoner of war camp, displaying immense resilience.

However, there are also differences between the circumstances in the two stories. While "The Pit and the Pendulum" is a fictional story set in the Spanish Inquisition, McCain's story is a real-life account of his experiences during the Vietnam War. The fictional character in the story faces a physical threat, while McCain's story involves the psychological and physical torment of being a prisoner of war.

The two men also describe freedom differently. In "The Pit and the Pendulum," the protagonist yearns for freedom from his impending death and the torturous environment he is trapped in. In contrast, John McCain's story highlights his appreciation for the freedom that his service and sacrifice have helped protect.