Final answer:
The theme of 'The Best Gift' can vary, usually centered on generosity, the joy of giving, and the impact of kindness. Mark Twain's story emphasizes self-reliance over fear, while tales like Santa Claus affirm it is better to give than to receive. 'Dare's Gift' suggests a theme of the supernatural coexisting with modern rationality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of a story is the underlying message, lesson, or moral that the author intends to convey to the reader. In the context of 'The Best Gift,' several themes may be explored depending on the specific narrative in consideration. Generally, a common theme in stories titled 'The Best Gift' might revolve around the value of generosity, the joy of giving, and the impact of kindness over materialism.
In one example from the passages provided, Mark Twain's story suggests that relying on one's knowledge and training, rather than succumbing to fear, is crucial. This underscores a theme that emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and confronting one's fears through knowledge. In a different scenario, a tale like the one about Santa Claus perpetuates the joy of giving and demonstrates that the act of storytelling itself can be a gift when it fosters happiness and teaches valuable lessons to children. Hence, the moral here is that it is better to give than to receive.
Further examination of 'Dare's Gift' reveals another potential theme: the acceptance of the supernatural or the inexplicable amidst our modern, rational understanding of the world. In this narrative, the protagonist's encounter with the supernatural forces him to question his skepticism, hinting at a theme that explores the relationship between the rational and the mysterious.