Final Answer:
Omri prohibited Patrick from keeping the cowboy because of the potential consequences of revealing the magic of the cupboard and the miniature people to an outsider.
Step-by-step explanation:
Omri's decision to prevent Patrick from keeping the cowboy stems from the responsibility and secrecy associated with the magical properties of the cupboard. Throughout the story, Omri discovers that the cupboard has the extraordinary ability to turn small plastic figurines into living, breathing individuals. This enchanting secret carries significant consequences if exposed to someone who does not understand the gravity of such power.
Allowing Patrick to keep the cowboy would mean entrusting him with the knowledge of the magical cupboard, which poses risks to the miniature people's safety and the delicate balance of their existence. Omri, being the keeper of this magical secret, understands the potential harm that could come from sharing it with an outsider who might not treat the miniature world with the same care and respect. Thus, Omri's decision is grounded in a sense of protection for the magical beings and the need to preserve the secrecy of the extraordinary phenomenon.
In literature, the theme of responsibility and the consequences of wielding power often play a crucial role in character development. Omri's choice to prohibit Patrick from keeping the cowboy highlights the weight of the magical discovery and reinforces the idea that with great power comes great responsibility. This decision contributes to the narrative tension, emphasizing the importance of discretion in handling extraordinary and magical elements within the story.