A Fable

by Mark Twain

Once upon a time an artist who had painted a small and very beautiful picture placed it so that he could see it in the mirror. He said, “This doubles the distance and softens it, and it is twice as lovely as it was before.”

The animals out in the woods heard of this through the housecat, who was greatly admired by them because he was so learned, and so refined and civilized, and so polite and high-bred, and could tell them so much which they didn't know before, and were not certain about afterward. They were much excited about this new piece of gossip, and they asked questions, so as to get at a full understanding of it. They asked what a picture was, and the cat explained.

“It is a flat thing,” he said; “wonderfully flat, marvelously flat, enchantingly flat and elegant. And, oh, so beautiful!”

That excited them almost to a frenzy, and they said they would give the world to see it. Then the bear asked:

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Question
Use the story to answer the question.

How does the cat help develop a theme?

(1 point)
Responses

The cat’s motivations cause other characters to question something.
The cat’s motivations cause other characters to question something.

The cat’s actions and his ultimate fate present a lesson for readers.
The cat’s actions and his ultimate fate present a lesson for readers.

The cat takes actions that cause the other animals to learn a lesson.
The cat takes actions that cause the other animals to learn a lesson.

The cat observes others and summarizes a lesson for readers.