Question

Which of the themes of Hawthorne's "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" is illustrated by this passage? Paragraph 36: The most singular effect of their gayety was an impulse to mock the infirmity and decrepitude of which they had so lately been the victims. A. Gayety produces an impulse to mock. B. It is a great release to look back on our problems happily C It is human nature to mock or make light of problems we have been delivered from​

Answer 1

Answer:

C. It is human nature to mock or make light of problems we have been delivered from​.

Explanation:

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" revolves around the doctor in his search for the fountain of youth. The story delves into themes of mortality, reformation, reality, mystery, etc.

Dr. Heidegger had invited four of his friends to try out his "fountain of youth" and see if it works. Once the water had been consumed by the four, they began to change, aging backward. What was once old and saggy skin, turned into youthful-looking individuals. And once they became youthful, they began to mock their "old-fashioned attire--the wide-skirted coats and flapped waistcoats of the young men, and the ancient cap and gown of the blooming girl." The statement that "[the] singular effect of their gayety was an impulse to mock the infirmity and decrepitude of which they had so lately been the victims" seems to suggest that their gaiety over their transformation only resulted in them mocking their old selves' fashion choices.

This shows that human nature is prone to make fun of or criticize the problems that one has just gone through.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.