What does John’s refusal to enlist suggest in Amos’s argument?

John’s refusal to enlist serves as a critique of his character and choices in the context of Amos’s argument about patriotism. The assertion that he is unpatriotic follows from the expectation that enlisting in the military is a demonstration of loyalty and commitment to one’s country, often viewed as a fundamental expression of patriotism. By not enlisting, John symbolizes a rejection of this duty, which can be interpreted as a lack of allegiance to the ideals that Amos values.

This choice is substantiated by the surrounding context that associates military service with honor and fidelity to one's nation. In contrast, the other options do not align with this interpretation. For instance, misunderstanding patriotism or misinterpreting Amos's intentions does not directly convey the idea of unpatriotism but rather indicates a different issue altogether. The idea that John is a true patriot regardless is contradictory to the premise that his refusal to enlist reflects a rejection of national duty, which entirely shifts the argument away from the notion of patriotism Amos is advocating.