George's role as a tragic figure MOST emphasizes his position as a

• A. Common person destroyed by the wealthy's cruelty
• B. Noble hero who sacrifices all
• C. Wealthy man's foil
• D. Celebrated scholar

Answer: (A)

Tragic figures often reveal how social power and wealth can crush an ordinary person, turning personal setbacks into a commentary on inequality. George is shown as a typical, everyday individual whose life and hopes are eroded by the cruelty or indifference of those who hold wealth and privilege. This focus highlights the human cost of systemic exploitation rather than heroic sacrifice, intellectual achievement, or being set up as a foil to wealth. If the emphasis were on a noble hero who sacrifices everything, or on a wealthy man’s foil, or on a celebrated scholar, the portrayal would shift away from the social critique of class forces that shapes his downfall.