scjp question from the 2nd chapter

[nikunj thakur]

1. class Plant {
2. String getName() { return "plant"; }
3. Plant getType() { return this; }
4. }
5. class Flower extends Plant {
6. // insert code here
7. }
8. class Tulip extends Flower {}

Which statement(s), inserted at line 6, will compile? (Choose all that apply.)

Flower getType() { return this; }

String getType() { return "this"; }

Plant getType() { return this; }

Tulip getType() { return new Tulip() ;}


In the above example the answers are 1st,3rd & 4th line, but in the 4th line return why can't i write return this instead of new Tulip().
[ October 24, 2007: Message edited by: nikunj thakur ]

[Prahlad Joshi]

return this will return a reference to flower that can not be assignd to Tulip

[Prahlad Joshi]

return this will return a reference to flower that can not be assigned to Tulip