Question

Read the following story summary, and think about theme.

A young boy lives with his parents and sister in an apartment in a large city. When his parents decide to move to the country, he is disappointed. He does not want to move away from his friends and all the fun they have. He thinks the rural home is going to be boring. On moving day, the boy cries and cries during the drive in the moving van. Once the van arrives and the rest of the family sets about unpacking and getting settled, he goes off by himself and walks by the creek and thinks about all his friends. Finally, he sits down on a rock and begins to observe nature. He becomes fascinated with a toad sitting near the creek, and then with some insects that are scurrying around his feet. Before he knows it, he is splashing happily in the creek and getting excited about all the fun he will have at his new home.

What universal theme is presented by this story?

Change in life can be painful, but it usually has a bright side.

City friends are fun, but the friends you make in the country are too.

The love of family can make childhood challenges less difficult.

There is no way to avoid growing up and taking responsibility.

Answer 1

Change in life can be painful, but it usually has a bright side.

He resists the move and is upset at first, then discovers new joys in the country (the toad, insects, creek) and becomes excited — showing that painful change can lead to positive experiences. The other choices are either too specific or not supported by the story.