Question

Why do the locals in Bergues end up abducting Julie?

Answer 1

In the story 'The Diamond as Big as the Ritz' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Julie is abducted by the locals in Bergues because they discover her family's hidden diamond mine.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the story, 'The Diamond as Big as the Ritz' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Julie is abducted by the locals in Bergues because they discover that she and her family have been concealing a massive diamond mine on their estate. The locals see this as a way to improve their own lives and gain wealth, so they decide to kidnap Julie and demand a ransom for her release.

To elaborate further, the locals in Bergues are living in poverty and have very little opportunity for financial success. When they learn about the diamond mine, they see it as a chance to change their circumstances and believe that abducting Julie will give them leverage to negotiate for a share of the wealth.

This act of abduction also serves as a critique of wealth and privilege, as it highlights the desperation and extreme measures that people may resort to when faced with economic inequality.

Answer 2

The locals in Bergues abduct Julie due to a misunderstanding caused by her resemblance to a character in a local play. They mistakenly believe she is the actress playing the role of a historical figure who betrayed the town, leading to a comedic yet tense situation.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the town of Bergues, a local play depicting historical events is a significant cultural event. The confusion leading to Julie's abduction arises from her uncanny resemblance to a character in the play, a historical figure who betrayed the town centuries ago. The locals, deeply immersed in their cultural traditions, mistake Julie for the actress portraying this character. The play's intensity and the strong emotions tied to the historical betrayal fuel the locals' actions.

As Julie unwittingly stumbles into the midst of the play's aftermath, the locals, caught up in the fervor of their traditions, fail to recognize her as a visitor. The convergence of the play's narrative and Julie's presence creates a comedic yet tense situation, as the locals, driven by their passion for their town's history, believe they are reenacting a crucial scene from the past. This cultural misunderstanding, rooted in the fervent commitment to local traditions, results in Julie's unexpected and unintentional abduction by the enthusiastic locals of Bergues.