Question

What is the theme of Passage 2?

Responses

In times of stress, it is important to surround yourself with a good support system.
In times of stress, it is important to surround yourself with a good support system.

The desire to protect a loved one can give you the bravery to do anything.
The desire to protect a loved one can give you the bravery to do anything.

Good people show empathy in their actions as well as in their words.
Good people show empathy in their actions as well as in their words.

Greed is the downfall of many people.
Greed is the downfall of many people.
Question 2
Part B

Which excerpt from Passage 2 best supports the answer to Part A?

Responses

The fact is, Emily, the thing’s done; the bills of sale are already signed, and in Haley’s hands; and you must be thankful it is no worse. (paragraph 1)
The fact is, Emily, the thing’s done; the bills of sale are already signed, and in Haley’s hands; and you must be thankful it is no worse. (paragraph 1)

“. . . They shall see, at any rate, that their mistress can feel for and with them. As to Eliza, I dare not think about it. The Lord forgive us! What have we done, that this cruel necessity should come on us?” (paragraph 6)
“. . . They shall see, at any rate, that their mistress can feel for and with them. As to Eliza, I dare not think about it. The Lord forgive us! What have we done, that this cruel necessity should come on us?” (paragraph 6)

“Oh, missis! dear missis! don’t think me ungrateful,—don’t think hard of me, any way,—I heard all you and master said tonight. . . .” (paragraph 12)
“Oh, missis! dear missis! don’t think me ungrateful,—don’t think hard of me, any way,—I heard all you and master said tonight. . . .” (paragraph 12)

“. . . A wicked man was coming to take little Harry away from his mother, and carry him ’way off in the dark; but mother won’t let him—she’s going to put on her little boy’s cap and coat, and run off with him, so the ugly man can’t catch him.” (paragraph 16)

Answer 1

To determine the theme of Passage 2, we will analyze the provided responses and select the appropriate one.

The first response suggests the importance of a good support system in times of stress. The second describes the bravery that emerges from the desire to protect a loved one. The third response highlights the empathy demonstrated by good people through their actions. The final response addresses the consequences of greed.

Among these, the second response—"The desire to protect a loved one can give you the bravery to do anything"—appears to resonate strongly with themes of courage, love, and sacrifice, particularly in the context of protecting loved ones.

Now, for Part B, we need to select the excerpt that best supports the chosen theme of bravery driven by love. The relevant excerpt would be:

“...A wicked man was coming to take little Harry away from his mother, and carry him ’way off in the dark; but mother won’t let him—she’s going to put on her little boy’s cap and coat, and run off with him, so the ugly man can’t catch him.” (paragraph 16)

This excerpt exemplifies a mother's bravery and determination to protect her child from harm, which supports the theme of finding courage in the desire to protect loved ones.