Answer :
Final answer:
Steve's reaction to Tommy's alien suggestion shows he is attempting to manage the situation with humor while indicating a deeper seriousness. His laughter is a means to alleviate the pressure, demonstrating that he is not easily frightened. He exhibits patience and thoughtfulness as he considers how to address the fear in the neighborhood.
Explanation:
Understanding Steve's Reaction to Tommy's Suggestion
In the excerpt from The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street, when Tommy proposes that aliens have invaded their neighborhood, Steve's reaction is significant and layered. He makes a remark about checking the neighborhood for humans, which generates laughter from the crowd. However, this laughter is described as a desperate attempt to lighten the tense atmosphere, indicating that the situation is quite serious.
Steve's response can be interpreted in a few ways:
- Steve is not easily scared: His laughter implies that he is trying to remain calm and is not taking Tommy's suggestion at face value.
- Steve's characterization: There is no evidence that Steve is an alien in disguise or that he dislikes children; instead, he shows an attempt to engage with the group and maintain a semblance of normalcy.
- He is patient and thoughtful: By suggesting a check on the neighborhood, he is trying to take action rather than letting fear consume him.
Overall, Steve's reaction shows that he is trying to keep things in perspective in a tense situation while revealing his role as a leader amidst rising panic.
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