The Beast

Question

Pete always walked quickly by Mr. Bly’s house. The huge chocolate lab in the front yard made him nervous. When Pete walked by, the dog’s thick ears would perk up. A line of drool would drip from the dog’s open mouth. Pete felt like a walking snack.
One Friday, Pete walked past Mr. Bly’s house, watching the beast in the front yard. He did not suspect the local bully, Todd, was near him until he felt a strong push from behind. Pete stumbled but regained his balance. When he turned around and saw Todd’s scowl, his heart fell in his stomach. Todd was taller and had bigger muscles than anyone else in elementary school. He had been in trouble for fighting with students many times.
“Let me see what’s in your backpack,” Todd said. Pete grabbed the straps, but did not take off the backpack. Todd reached over and tried to pull it off Pete’s back. He pushed Pete to the ground and pulled harder.
Woof! A brown, furry boulder landed on Todd. Mr. Bly’s dog growled in Todd’s face. Mr. Bly came up right behind the dog.
“Todd, if you don’t leave the little kids alone, I will have a long talk with your father,” Mr. Bly said.
“Fine,” Todd said. “Just get the dog off me.”
Mr. Bly snapped his fingers and the dog went to him, looking proud. Todd ran off without looking back. Pete slowly approached the dog. He held his hand out and petted the dog’s soft, furry head.
“Thanks,” he said to the dog that had terrified him the day before.
9
What is the theme of "The Beast"?
A.
Don't pick a fight with a bully.
B.
Adopt a dog from the animal shelter.
C.
Don't judge others based on looks.
D.
Pete is saved by a scary dog.

Answer 1

The theme of "The Beast" is best represented by option D: "Pete is saved by a scary dog." Throughout the story, Pete is initially afraid of Mr. Bly’s dog, which he perceives as a terrifying beast. However, in a moment of need when he is confronted by the bully Todd, the dog unexpectedly intervenes and saves him, demonstrating that appearances can be deceiving and that something that seems scary can actually provide protection.