Question

5. Part A

Which sentence states a theme the author develops over the course of the story?
A. One’s first instincts should always be trusted.
B. Acting on one’s fears can cause them to come true.
C. Old friends can quickly turn into new enemies.
D. The unexpected should always be expected.

6. Part B
Which detail best helps to refine the theme the author develops over the course of the story?
A. “I thought: ‘Here are people who have more than their share of amusement, and apparently
without reason.’” (Paragraph 5)
B. “I was going perhaps to receive a cold shower-bath from overhead, or perhaps, the moment I
stretched myself out, to find myself sinking to the floor with my mattress.” (Paragraph 11)
C. “For at least another hour I remained awake, starting a the slightest sound.” (Paragraph 12)
D. “The precautions I had taken in closing the shutters and going to sleep in the middle of the room
had only brought about the practical joke I had been trying to avoid.” (Paragraph 16)

Answer 1

Sure, I'd be happy to help! The correct answer is:

B. Acting on one's fears can cause them to come true.

The author develops the theme of the power of one's fears and how they can manifest into reality if acted upon. This is evident in the story when the narrator's fear of the old, run-down house becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Sure, I'd be happy to help! The detail that best helps to refine the theme the author develops over the course of the story is:

B. "I was going perhaps to receive a cold shower-bath from overhead, or perhaps, the moment I stretched myself out, to find myself sinking to the floor with my mattress." (Paragraph 11)

This detail refines the theme of the author's anxiety and paranoia, as they are constantly on edge and anticipating something bad happening. The use of the word "perhaps" and the imagery of a cold shower-bath or sinking mattress creates a sense of uncertainty and unease, which is a central theme of the story.

Step-by-step explanation: