Question

Which best states a theme of the passage and the way details develop it?
A. Theme: Outsiders are keen observers.
Details that Develop It: Stephen’s thoughts about his classmates, such as his observation that “Nasty Roche had big hands” (paragraph 2)
B. Theme: Outsiders are keen observers.
Details that Develop It: Stephen’s admiration for his classmates, established in lines such as “Rody Kickham was a decent fellow” (paragraph 2)
C. Theme: Growing up means taking responsibility.
Details that Develop It: the love Stephen’s parents show him, established in lines such as “she had put up her veil double to her nose to kiss him: and her nose and eyes were red” (paragraph 7)
D. Theme: Growing up means taking responsibility.
Details that Develop It: the advice Stephen’s parents give him, as when his father tells him “never to peach on a fellow” (paragraph 7)

Review Progress

Answer 1

A.

Explanation: The passage emphasizes Stephen’s role as an observer who notices small, telling details about others (e.g., “Nasty Roche had big hands”), which supports the theme that outsiders are keen observers. Option B’s supporting detail ("Rody Kickham was a decent fellow") implies admiration rather than observational distance, and the growing-up/responsibility options (C and D) are not as well supported by the cited lines.