Understanding the Passage and the Phrase 'Good Hunting'

The passage discusses how showing fear or timidity towards public opinion or a 'herd' (like a group of people or even animals) makes one more susceptible to their criticism or aggression. The author uses the analogy of a dog that barks and bites more easily when people are afraid, compared to when they show indifference.

The core idea is that displaying fear signals weakness, which encourages attack or criticism from others. Conversely, showing indifference or lack of fear tends to deter such actions.

Analyzing the Phrase 'You Give Promise of Good Hunting'

The phrase "'....you give promise of good hunting'" appears in the context of showing fear. The sentence is: "If you show that you are afraid of them, you give promise of good hunting, whereas if you show indifference, they begin to doubt their own power and, therefore, tend to let you alone."

In this context, "they" refers to the public opinion or the human herd. "Good hunting" from their perspective means finding an easy target, someone they can easily criticize, dominate, or 'attack' socially or verbally. If showing fear leads to "good hunting" for the aggressors (the herd/public opinion), it means the person showing fear becomes an attractive target.

Let's look at the options:

• Option 1: you are vulnerable - If you are 'vulnerable', you are susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm. Showing fear makes you an easy target for the 'hunt' by public opinion. This aligns well with the idea of becoming an easy target for criticism or aggression.
• Option 2: you are challenging - To be 'challenging' means presenting a difficulty or provoking a contest. Showing fear is typically not seen as challenging; rather, indifference or defiance might be considered challenging to public opinion's power.
• Option 3: you are indomitable - 'Indomitable' means impossible to subdue or defeat. Showing fear suggests weakness and susceptibility, the opposite of being indomitable.
• Option 4: you are confused - While fear can sometimes lead to confusion, the phrase "good hunting" focuses on the *effect* of showing fear on others (making you a target), not necessarily your internal state of mind like confusion.

Considering the passage's analogy and the contrast drawn between showing fear (leading to 'good hunting') and showing indifference (leading to being left alone), the most logical interpretation of "'....you give promise of good hunting'" is that you become an easy target for criticism or aggression. This is best described by being vulnerable.

Therefore, showing fear signals vulnerability, making one a prime target for the negative attention or pressure from public opinion or a group.

Revision Table: Key Concepts

Additional Information: Social Dynamics and Vulnerability

This passage touches upon interesting social dynamics related to conformity and pressure. The 'human herd' can represent any group where social pressure exists, from school cliques to larger societal norms. The author suggests that conforming out of fear or constantly worrying about external judgment makes one more susceptible to negative treatment from that group.

• Herd Mentality: This refers to how individuals in a group can act collectively without centralized direction, often following the behavior of the majority, even if it's irrational. The passage implies the 'herd' preys on perceived weakness.
• Social Pressure: The influence exerted by a group on its members to change their attitudes, behaviors, or values to conform to group norms. Showing fear indicates bowing to this pressure, making one a target for further control or criticism.
• Vulnerability: In a social context, vulnerability can stem from perceived weakness, lack of confidence, or excessive concern about others' opinions. The passage argues that displaying this vulnerability actively attracts negative attention rather than deterring it.

The core message is a counter-intuitive one for some: appearing strong (even if through indifference rather than outright defiance) is a better defense against social pressure than showing fear or attempting to appease critics out of timidity.