How does the author's decision to conclude the story with the phrase ""Scout's Honor"" contribute to the story? Cite evidence from the text in your response.

Question

Finnegan

English

4 October, 08:27

How does the author's decision to conclude the story with the phrase ""Scout's Honor"" contribute to the story? Cite evidence from the text in your response.

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Khalil Yates · Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

In Edward Irving Wortis's short story "Scout's Honor", the narrator is just a child who goes camping with his two friends to move up to Second Class as Boy Scouts. Throughout the story, they are trying to impress one another, to prove they are tough and fearless. However, the camping trip is a disaster and they have to go back home. Since they were unaccompanied, they make a promise not to tell the Scoutmaster:

Horse said, "Only thing is, we just have to promise not to tell Mr. Brenkman."

Grinning with relief, we simultaneously clasped hands.

"No matter what," Max reminded us.

To which I added, "Scout's Honor."

This is how the story ends, the very last phrase being "Scout's Honor". It's an ironic way to end the story because Scouts should not lie, and they are using that phrase while agreeing to lie to the Scoutmaster. On the other hand, "Scout's honor" is also related to friendship and loyalty. With their façade as strong boys falling apart, the boys found acceptance of themselves and their friends. They are loyal to one another now, connected through their weaknesses and failures.