Final answer:
The theme involves dealing with intense competition and personal struggles. Sylvia Plath's works in 'Ariel' reflect introspective and feminist themes about personal conflict and identity. Other excerpts suggest themes of cultural adaptation, battling fate, and sacrificed dreams.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of the passage about Ariel can be interpreted as a struggle with competition and the pursuit of personal goals in the face of challenges. From the given description, Ariel is dealing with the emotional turmoil of competing with her rival which brings out feelings of anger and determination as it's her last chance to qualify for the Olympic finals. This brief narrative captures the essence of personal conflict and the emotional intensity that can accompany competitive sports.
Sylvia Plath's poetry in Ariel is rich in themes that relate to the human psyche, particularly dealing with angst and the desire for autonomy. Plath uses introspective confession to explore her personal struggles, her sense of identity apart from patriarchal influence, and her feelings towards motherhood and betrayal. Her poems 'Daddy' and 'Fever 103°' stand as poignant examples of her work that delve into these complex emotions and the pursuit of self-identity. Regarding the excerpts from various literary texts, each passage holds its unique theme, whether it's the challenges of cultural adaptation, the battle with nature and fate, or the loss of a dream due to personal responsibilities. The narrative about Maria and Caitlin emphasizes the difficulties of navigating a new culture, while the tale of the oiler and his shipmates tackles humanity's rage against uncontrollable fate.