The leaks began at about two or three. The first was in the corner of Nademah’s bedroom. Zeitoun went down to the garage and retrieved a forty-gallon garbage can to catch the water. Another leak opened a few minutes later, this one in the upstairs hallway. Zeitoun found another garbage can. A window in the master bedroom broke just after three o’clock, as if a brick had been thrown through the glass. Zeitoun gathered the shards and stuffed the opening with a pillow. Another leak opened in Safiya and Aisha’s room. He found another, bigger garbage can. What conclusion can readers draw about this character vs.nature conflict?

Social Studies · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021

Answered on

  • From the description provided, readers can conclude that Zeitoun is facing a significant and escalating conflict against nature. The multiple leaks in different parts of the house suggest that there is a powerful external force, likely a severe storm or similar natural disaster, that is causing damage to the structural integrity of the building.
  • Zeitoun's use of garbage cans to catch the water and his attempt to block a broken window with a pillow indicates that he is trying to mitigate the damage and protect the house as much as he can. However, the nature of the leaks and the breaking window suggest that Zeitoun's efforts may be futile against the overwhelming force of nature.
  • This is a classic character versus nature conflict, with Zeitoun representing humanity's resilience and resourcefulness, and the leaks and broken window symbolizing the relentless and indifferent force of the natural world.

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