(A) He felt that his honest ways were responsible for the poverty and ...
Possible response:
The FIRST sentence should be (B) "Sixteen miles away from Mysore, there is a dense forest." This sentence sets the scene for the story and provides a geographical reference point. The other sentences follow this one in a chronological order that introduces a character, his situation, his dilemma, and the reactions of his family.
Explanation:
- Context: The story begins with a location that situates the story in a specific place and time. The fact that there is a dense forest nearby suggests that the story may involve nature, survival, and perhaps a rural or traditional setting.
- Introduction: The next sentence introduces the protagonist of the story, a woodcutter who is poor but honest. This phrase establishes a contrast between the character's virtues and his circumstances, implying that his honesty has not brought him prosperity.
- Conflict: The sentence (A) explains why the woodcutter feels guilty about his honesty. He believes that his poverty and starvation are the result of his unwillingness to cheat or steal. This conflict suggests a moral dilemma that the woodcutter faces, as he wonders if he should compromise his values to improve his life.
- Discussion: The sentence (F) indicates that the woodcutter wants to share his feelings with his family, which implies that he values their opinion and seeks their support. This conversation may reveal more about the woodcutter's personality, his relationship with his family, and his cultural or ethical background.
- Resolution: The sentence (C) shows that the woodcutter has a choice to make, and he asks his family for advice. Their response, as shown in (D), suggests that they share his values and prioritize honesty over material gain. This resolution provides a message or a lesson that the story conveys, such as the importance of integrity, the value of family, or the resilience of the human spirit.
- Conclusion: The sentence (E) summarizes the story's main character, setting, and theme, and may leave a lasting impression on the reader. It also invites the reader to imagine or reflect on the woodcutter's life and his legacy.
In summary, the first sentence of a story should set the stage for the plot and the setting, and introduce the main character or conflict that drives the narrative. By starting with a concrete detail, such as a place or an event, the writer can engage the reader's curiosity and imagination and create a context that makes the story more meaningful.