Question

Selection 2 is a work of modern fiction that draws on Selection 1, a traditional tale. Which answer choice best explains their relationship?
A. Both Selection 1 and Selection 2 convey the theme “Good work is its own reward, so do not slack off.” Selection 2 transforms the hardworking shoemaker in Selection 1 into a lazy store owner.
B. Both Selection 1 and Selection 2 convey the theme “Take advantage of good luck, because your luck may quickly change.” Selection 2 transforms the lucky shoemaker in Selection 1 into an unlucky store owner.
C. Selection 1 tells of a shoemaker’s fantastical helpers. It conveys the theme “People must look out for themselves.” Selection 2 borrows the idea of fantastical helpers to conveys the theme “Help others unselfishly.”
D. Selection 1 tells of a shoemaker’s fantastical helpers. It conveys the theme “Do your best, and things will work out.” Selection 2 borrows the idea of fantastical helpers to conveys the theme “Help is not always helpful.”

Answer 1

D

Selection 1 (the traditional shoemaker tale) uses the elves’ quiet aid to show that steady effort and kindness lead to a happy outcome—“do your best, and things will work out.” Selection 2 borrows the motif of fantastical helpers but twists it to show that help can have unexpected or harmful consequences, so its theme becomes “help is not always helpful.” The other choices misstate the original tale’s theme or the nature of the transformation.