Question

‘My application’s not bought,’ I am telling them, calling into the darkness of the red cave that opens out before closed eyes. ‘I am not just a boy who plays tennis. I have an intricate history. Experiences and feelings. I’m complex. ‘I read,’ I say. ‘I study and read. I bet I’ve read everything you’ve read. Don’t think I haven’t. I consume libraries. I wear out spines and ROM-drives. I do things like get in a taxi and say, “The library, and step on it.” My instincts concerning syntax and mechanics are better than your own, I can tell, with due respect. What conclusion can readers draw about this character vs. society conflict? The narrator is uncomfortable and defensive. The narrator has destroyed school property. The narrator earns good grades in school. The narrator is being punished for his behavior.

Answer 1

A - the narrator is uncomfortable and defenseive in this character vs. society conflict.

The narrator is uncomfortable and defensive - trying to build himself up by saying he's 'complex' and explaining that he loves to read and study - with even better syntax and mechanics that others.