Final answer:
Option A is the correct answer, which states that both "Four Shirt Weeks" and "The Big Contest" explore themes of competition and the pursuit of success, but with different emphases; the former on individual achievement and the latter on teamwork and collaboration.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compare and contrast the themes of "Four Shirt Weeks" and "The Big Contest," we need to identify the central themes and conflicts within each story. In analyzing these elements, we can discern how the texts approach topics like competition, ambition, and personal growth. The themes of a text generally revolve around universal ideas about the human condition, society, or life, which manifest through the characters' experiences, the conflict, and the writer's narrative choices.
In "Four Shirt Weeks," the protagonist deals with an internal conflict stemming from doubt and self-inquiry. This is evident when the character, much like Twain in his own story, starts off confidently but begins to second-guess himself amidst external pressures.
The focus of the theme tends to lean towards individual achievement and dealing with insecurities. On the other hand, "The Big Contest" could ostensibly center around themes like teamwork and collaboration, considering that it contrasts with individualistic themes.
Gleaning from the Mark Twain passage's reference to Mr. Bixby's interference making Twain uneasy, we can extrapolate that "Four Shirt Weeks" might not place as much emphasis on fair play and sportsmanship as "The Big Contest" potentially does.
As such, option A highlights this distinction well, noting that both texts explore the themes of competition and the pursuit of success, but differ in their focus — one on individualism and the other on collaborative effort. Therefore, option A is the correct choice, capturing the nuanced ways that these texts handle similar themes through different lenses.