Question

Which theme is reflected in this excerpt from Act 2 of "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street"?

A) New technology is a dangerous tool in the hands of the wrong people.
B) Being without light can cause people to become defensive and out of control.
C) Causing panic is just as destructive as any weapon or physical force.
D) Material possessions often contribute to conflict between neighbors.

Answer 1

The theme from the excerpt of "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" suggests that panic and fear can be as destructive as physical force in disintegrating the fabric of a community.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theme reflected in the excerpt from Act 2 of "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" is most closely related to the idea that causing panic is just as destructive as any weapon or physical force. This is seen in the way that the characters on Maple Street respond to a sudden loss of electricity.

Their descent into suspicion, fear, and ultimately chaos showcases how psychological manipulation and the spread of fear can tear apart a community. The theme speaks to the broader human condition, where irrational behavior can be triggered by the unknown, leading to destructive consequences.