Question

Keeping in mind the ending of the story, which best describes the irony of Mr. Shiftlet’s statement? Mr. Shiftlet does not need a fortune, as he places no value on financial wealth or the security of having a permanent home. Instead of staying at the plantation, where he can see sunsets like these for the rest of his life, he runs away with Mrs. Crater’s car and money. According to Mrs. Crater, the sun sets like this every evening, and if he stays at the plantation, Mr. Shiftlet will see this regularly. No amount of money can ensure that an individual will witness a sunset to equal this one and will see it every single day.

Answer 1

I guess the statement you are referring to is this one: "Lady," he said in a firm nasal voice, "I'd give a fortune to live where I could see me a sun do that every evening." The correct answer, in my opinion, is B. Instead of staying at the plantation, where he can see sunsets like these for the rest of his life, he runs away with Mrs. Crater’s car and money. Mr. Shiftlet pretends to be a fellow with good intentions who just wants to settle down. In truth, he is a tramp and Mrs. Crater realizes it, but she nevertheless believes him when he says that he would like to see such a sunset every evening. So, she trusts him with her daughter, money, and car.

Answer 2

B. Instead of staying at the plantation, where he can see sunsets like these for the rest of his life, he runs away with Mrs. Crater’s car and money.