Final answer:
While 'The Last Leaf' offers a story about hope and sacrifice, 'Thank You, Ma'am' presents a direct and relatable theme of kindness and the importance of making good decisions, making it likely more appealing to young readers. Option B is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing which author's theme about decision making is more appealing to an audience of young readers between 'The Last Leaf' and 'Thank You, Ma'am', it is important to consider the themes and the impact each story may have. 'The Last Leaf' by O. Henry focuses on hope, sacrifice, and the power of art, encapsulated in the tale of two girls and a painter in an apartment building in New York who face a life-threatening crisis. The painter makes a significant decision that ultimately provides hope and inspiration for one of the young women who is ill. This story often resonates with readers due to its deep sentiments and the profound impact of personal sacrifice for the well-being of others.
In contrast, Langston Hughes' 'Thank You, Ma'am' deals with the themes of kindness, trust, and the chance for redemption. The narrative follows a young boy who attempts to steal a purse and the unexpected way in which the purse's owner, a woman, chooses to handle the situation. Her decision to show kindness and understanding rather than punishment can be a powerful message for young readers, illustrating that one positive decision can set a better path for someone who may have strayed.
Both stories teach valuable lessons about decision-making; however, the immediacy of the themes of kindness and redemption in 'Thank You, Ma'am' might make it particularly appealing to young readers. It provides a more direct portrayal of the consequences of decisions and their potential for positive change in a relatable urban setting. Ultimately, in comparing the themes of both stories and their relevance to a young audience, 'Thank You, Ma'am' may have a more direct message regarding the power of individual decisions, thus making it a more appealing choice for young readers.
'Thank You, Ma'am'
is the correct option, as it presents a theme of decision making that is likely more appealing to an audience of young readers.