Question

On page 40, Vonnegut says, "It was then that Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General, came into the studio with a double-barreled ten-gauge shotgun. She fired twice, and the Emperor and the Empress were dead before they hit the floor." How does this paragraph compare to the description of the dance that comes before it? How does the shift in tone here support the theme?

A) The paragraph contrasts sharply with the dance, highlighting the sudden violence in the story.
B) The paragraph mirrors the joyous tone of the dance, creating a sense of irony.
C) The shift in tone underscores the continuity between the dance and the violent act.
D) The paragraph introduces a new theme unrelated to the dance's description.

Answer 1

The violent act by the Handicapper General contrasts sharply with the previous description of the dance, highlighting the sudden introduction of violence and supporting the theme of oppressive control over individuality and excellence.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage describing Diana Moon Glampers killing the Emperor and Empress with a shotgun contrasts sharply with the description of the dance that precedes it, which likely features movement and beauty. The dance might represent a kind of joyous expression, possibly filled with grace and fluidity, akin to colorful streamers floating like dazzling rainbows. In stark contrast, the introduction of the Handicapper General and the violent act she commits brings a sudden, brutal end to any joyous tone and creates a jarring shift in the narrative.

This sudden shift in tone supports the theme of the story by highlighting the oppressive control exerted by the government in Vonnegut's universe. While the dance may symbolize freedom or the peak of human excellence, Diana Moon Glampers' violent interruption serves as a reminder of the severe limits imposed on individuality and expression. Therefore, the correct answer would be A: The paragraph contrasts sharply with the dance, highlighting the sudden violence in the story.