"The Refusal" Review

What does the colonel’s ritual of refusal suggest about the nature of authority?

• It shows that authority is maintained through repetition and tradition, making resistance seem futile.

• It indicates that authority is easily challenged and can be overturned.

• It implies that authority is based on individual charisma and personal relationships.

• It suggests that authority is irrelevant in the face of collective action.

How do the colonel’s grandchildren interact with the Market Square below?

• They ignore the Market Square entirely, showing no interest.

• They watch and join quarrels from above, symbolizing their privilege and separation.

• They actively participate in the Market Square activities, mingling with the crowd.

• They criticize the people in the Market Square from a distance, feeling superior.

What feature of the colonel’s home makes it a stage for power?

• His large veranda, where delegations present petitions and are refused.

• A grand staircase leading to the main hall.

• A spacious garden filled with exotic plants.

• A collection of military trophies displayed in the foyer.

What does the colonel holding two bamboo poles symbolize?

• That he supports the law, and the law supports him.

• That he is a symbol of rebellion against authority.

• That he is indifferent to the law and its consequences.

• That he represents the struggle for freedom.

How does the story portray the relationship between the townspeople and the soldiers?

• The soldiers act as enforcers of the colonel’s power, creating an atmosphere of fear and compliance among the townspeople.

• The soldiers are seen as protectors of the townspeople, ensuring their safety and well-being.

• The townspeople and soldiers share a mutual respect and understanding, working together for the common good.

• The soldiers are indifferent to the townspeople, focusing solely on their own duties without any interaction.

How do the soldiers affect the townspeople when they appear?

• They intimidate people into silence and make them uneasy.

• They offer protection and support to the townspeople.

• They engage in friendly conversations with the locals.

• They help the townspeople with their daily tasks.

How do the citizens react after a petition is refused?

• They feel a strange sense of relief and acceptance.

• They become angry and protest against the decision.

• They ignore the refusal and move on.

• They seek legal action to challenge the refusal.

What official is the most powerful figure in the town?

• The mayor, who oversees all town activities.

• The chief tax-collector, who is called “the colonel.”

• The town sheriff, responsible for law enforcement.

• The town clerk, who manages public records.

What theme emerges from the way the town accepts the refusals?

• People can grow accustomed to oppression and even depend on it, though the younger generation may resist.

• The town thrives on unity and collective decision-making.

• Resistance to change is a sign of strength in the community.

• Tradition is valued more than individual freedom.

What does the distance between the capital and the town symbolize?

• The government's disconnect from and indifference toward the townspeople.

• The economic prosperity of the town.

• The geographical isolation of the town.

• The cultural richness of the capital.