Question

Read this excerpt from a story, and look for clues about its theme. read me button which theme is supported by this passage? a fool and his riches are soon parted. cheerful giving is its own reward. money cannot buy you love. a penny saved is a penny earned.

Answer 1

The passage's theme is likely related to the inherent conflict presented, with money and morality being central issues, supported by the idea that 'money cannot buy you love'. Twain's situation underscores the theme of trusting one's knowledge and training, while Fitzgerald's work contemplates wealth, love, and morality.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question pertains to identifying the theme of a given passage and how it is conveyed through conflict and character decisions or beliefs. Key details in the text, such as the internal struggle of the character contemplating theft, Twain's self-doubt in the midst of a growing challenge, and Fitzgerald's exploration of wealth, love, and disillusionment, all point to underlying messages in these stories.

For example, the first excerpt suggests a theme related to wealth and morality, indicating that money cannot buy you love or perhaps that a fool and his riches are soon parted. Meanwhile, Twain's experience with having to resourcefully navigate a steamboat conveys the importance of relying on one's own knowledge and training, and Fitzgerald's work extensively touches on the themes of wealth, societal expectations, and the moral dilemmas that arise from them.

In discerning the overarching themes in literature, readers are encouraged to consider how the author utilizes conflict, the different layers within a story, and the characters' actions and thoughts to convey deeper messages about life, society, and the human condition.

Answer 2

The theme in a story reflects its central message, revealed through elements like conflict, character actions, and outcomes. F. Scott Fitzgerald and Mark Twain both used themes related to individual identity, the value of knowledge, and the moral complexities related to wealth and social status.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theme in a story is a central message or insight into life revealed through the narrative. When analyzing passages to determine the theme, look for conflict, character actions, and outcomes. Themes are often related to the moral or message of the story, which might be directly stated or inferred by the reader through the various elements of the story, including dialogue, character thoughts, and the resolution of conflicts.

In the provided excerpts, themes such as money cannot buy you love, the importance of individual identity, and the value of relying on one's own knowledge and training are evident. For example, F. Scott Fitzgerald's work often explores the disillusionment with the wealthy, suggesting themes like the moral downfalls of chasing wealth or unattainable love, contrasting with characters who remain true to their values. In contrast, Twain uses conflict to present the theme that one should trust in their knowledge and not succumb to fear.

Other themes mentioned include the lack of moral judgment on the poor, the idea of the hero, and the examination of trickery in societal interactions. Sentence fragments related to money suggest themes around the misconception that wealth brings happiness. In the statement by Dorothy, the tone towards those begging reflects societal attitudes towards the poor and can suggest themes about the complexities of human nature and the social constructs of morality.