Final answer:
The theme of 'Gumption' surrounding the importance of standing up for what's right is illustrated by old man Oyster's interaction with the government employee, where his assertiveness and conviction contribute to the theme's development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of "Gumption" highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, despite potential consequences. This is exemplified in the scenario where old man Oyster interacts with the government employee. While the exact details of the interaction are not provided in your question, based on the context, we can infer that old man Oyster's actions—whether it is arguing to the point of incarceration, sacrificing his job for his son's future, securing better pay through negotiation, or using reason and logic for his son's job prospects—demonstrate a personal commitment to principles and a willingness to face adversity for the greater good. In each of these potential scenarios, those actions contribute to the overarching theme by showing how Oyster is assertive and holds firm to his beliefs or fights for fair conditions, thereby enhancing the theme of the importance of conviction and moral courage.