Part A

Question

What is a theme of “Why the Cat Always Lands on Its Feet”?

Responses

Nothing good comes from anger.
Nothing good comes from anger.

Too much pride can lead to trouble.
Too much pride can lead to trouble.

One’s thoughtfulness is never forgotten.
One’s thoughtfulness is never forgotten.

There is comfort in taking responsibility for one’s own actions.
There is comfort in taking responsibility for one’s own actions.
Question 2
Part B

Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

Responses

“So when he spotted a tree with gnarled roots, he had to lie down among them to rest. He had just snuggled in and closed his weary eyes when a great serpent slithered out of a thicket.”
“So when he spotted a tree with gnarled roots, he had to lie down among them to rest. He had just snuggled in and closed his weary eyes when a great serpent slithered out of a thicket.”

“Flames shot from the serpent’s eyes as it struck wildly again and again.”
“Flames shot from the serpent’s eyes as it struck wildly again and again.”

“The serpent slithered closer now. It hissed its war cry as it remembered the magician’s meddling.”
“The serpent slithered closer now. It hissed its war cry as it remembered the magician’s meddling.”

“She was slight compared to the enormous serpent. But as she watched the evil one glide toward the man, the memory of the magician’s kindness to her transformed her fear to anger.”
“She was slight compared to the enormous serpent. But as she watched the evil one glide toward the man, the memory of the magician’s kindness to her transformed her fear to anger.”

Answer 1

Part A

The theme of “Why the Cat Always Lands on Its Feet” is "There is comfort in taking responsibility for one’s own actions."

Part B

The detail from the text that best supports this theme is: “She was slight compared to the enormous serpent. But as she watched the evil one glide toward the man, the memory of the magician’s kindness to her transformed her fear to anger.” This detail illustrates how the character's reflection on past kindness helps her respond to a challenging situation, demonstrating the importance of acknowledging one’s responsibilities and the impact of their actions.