Question

Why does the speaker claim to be selfish?

As for us, we're quite fortunate. Luckier than millions of people. It's quiet and safe here, and we're using our money to buy food. We're so selfish that we talk about after the war and look forward to new clothes and shoes, when actually we should be saving every penny to help others when the war is over, to salvage whatever we can. The children in this neighbourhood run around in their shirts and wooden shoes They have no coats, no caps, no stockings and no one to help them. Gnawing on a carrot to still their hunger pangs, they walk from their cold houses through cold streets to an even colder classroom. Things have gotten so bad in Holland that hordes of children stop passersby in the streets to beg for a piece of bread. I could spend hours telling you about the suffering the war has brought, but I'd only make myself more miserable. All we can do is wait, as calmly as possible, for it to end. Jews and Christians alike are waiting, the whole world is waiting, and many are waiting for death.

• A. The speaker has bought new clothes and shoes
• B. The speaker has forgotten about the war
• C. He /She thinks the war will never end
• D. She/he is not saving money to help others

Answer 1

Answer:

D. She/he is not saving money to help others

The speaker considers themselves selfish because instead of saving money to assist others who are suffering during the war, they are spending it on new clothes and shoes.