Final answer:
The passages present a common theme where characters experience a moment of profound reflection or self-realization concerning their beauty and how societal standards influence their self-esteem and self-perception, leading to consequential actions or emotions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme reflected in the passages provided revolves around self-perception and the influence of external beauty standards on the characters. Many of the characters express discontent with their appearance or feel validated only by the approval of others. After becoming angry at her reflection in the mirror, characters like Jing-mei, Georgiana, and Amy seem to undergo moments of self-realization or profound reflection regarding their perception of themselves and how it's tied to beauty and societal expectations. These stories often highlight the internal conflict between self-acceptance and the desire for external validation through beauty.