Final answer:
Both the passage from “Departure” and “Up the Coolly” reflect a theme of uncertainty and self-doubt, as characters face internal conflicts when reacting to external pressures, affecting their self-perception and coping mechanisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme reflected in both the passage from “Departure” and the passage from “Up the Coolly” is uncertainty and self-doubt. In “Departure,” the challenge of navigating a crossing starts with confidence but then morphs into second-guessing as external pressures increase. This shift from self-assurance to self-questioning mirrors the themes found in other narratives and poems, where characters or speakers grapple with their understanding of themes like freedom or coolness, and how it affects their existence. These thematic elements suggest that both narratives explore the inner conflict and human reaction to external challenges, reflecting on how they impact one's sense of self and ability to cope with life’s situations.