Question

"Departure" by Sherwood Anderson - Which statement describes one way an author might develop a theme in a work of fiction?

a) They use the rise in action to hint at what lessons might be learned.
b) Authors provide details that reveal how characters learn and change during a story.
c) Authors explicitly state what they want readers to learn from the characters.
d) They introduce events throughout the story.

Answer 1

To develop a theme in fiction, authors often provide details showing character change and growth, use motifs to suggest themes, and craft the plot to subtly express thematic messages.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of fiction, an author might develop a theme by using various techniques. Among the options listed, the one that describes how an author might develop a theme in fiction is: b) Authors provide details that reveal how characters learn and change during a story. This approach involves character development and the change they undergo as the plot progresses, often reflecting on the broader themes of the story.

Another method to identify a theme in fiction is by examining motifs, which are recurring elements that may symbolize important ideas or concepts and thus suggest possible themes. For example, if a park representing childhood in a story is replaced by a housing complex, this motif can indicate a theme regarding growth or the loss of innocence. Additionally, the author can subtly express themes through the organization of the plot, including the rise in action, conflict, and resolution, where readers must infer the themes based on textual details and the evolution of the story.