Question

My father was a justice of the peace, and I supposed he possessed the power of life and death over all men, and could hang anybody that offended him. This was distinction enough for me as a general thing; but the desire to be a steamboatman kept intruding, QUESTION 2 1 ALIGNED STANDARD Does the narrator fear his father? Explain why or why not.

Answer 1

The narrator does not fear his father; instead, he acknowledges his father's authority as a justice of the peace with a sense of respect and admiration. The narrator's ambition to become a steamboatman indicates that his father's power is not a source of fear but rather an impressive backdrop to his own aspirations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks if the narrator fears his father. Based on the text provided, it does not appear that the narrator fears his father. The narrator recognizes the power and the distinction that comes with his father's position as a justice of the peace, who traditionally had the right of patria potestas, giving him significant authority over his household. However, the narrator's ambition to become a steamboatman overshadows any implication of fear, instead showing a form of admiration or respect for his father's position. The narrator's perception of his father's power is likely one of awe mixed with the recognition of authority, rather than outright fear. His aspirations seem to be influenced by his father's standing, but not limited or dictated by fear of his father's potential for punishment.