Final answer:
A theme statement for 'The Man in the Water' could reflect the humanity revealed in selfless acts during crises. David Foster Wallace's 'This is Water' emphasizes conscious life choices over default mode thinking. Three stories that embody these themes are 'The Lifeboat', 'The Road', and 'To Build a Fire'.
Step-by-step explanation:
To construct a theme statement for 'The Man in the Water', one should consider the overarching message that the author is trying to convey through the events described in the article. A possible theme statement could be: 'In the face of life-threatening adversity, the best of humanity is often revealed through acts of selflessness and courage.' This statement encapsulates the article's exploration of human nature and altruism during times of crisis.
Considering David Foster Wallace's speech 'This is Water', the title itself suggests a theme related to awareness and the choice to consciously navigate one's own thoughts and surroundings. The speech delves into the idea of living with a heightened sense of consciousness, rather than succumbing to a default mode of thoughtless, self-centered behavior.
When selecting stories to write an essay focused on this theme, three recommendations could be 'The Lifeboat' by Charlotte Rogan, where survival sparks moral dilemmas; 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy, depicting a post-apocalyptic journey of a father and son; and 'To Build a Fire' by Jack London, where human hubris is pitted against the indifference of nature.
Themes act as the backbone of a narrative, connecting characters, settings, and events to present a broader commentary on life or society. A theme can often be regarded as the writer's commentary on a major human concern, whether that relates to social issues, personal growth, or other aspects of human experience.