Question

mmanuel then kissed and hugged his parents. They seemed so calm. Don’t they care? I feel as if I don’t mean anything to them. Why don’t they say anything?
9 As they watched him walk toward the airplane, Immanuel’s father suddenly grabbed his wife’s hand and sobbed. Her eyes filled with tears.
10 Immanuel turned back for a last look and was surprised to see his parents’ emotions. He smiled, and waved. Then he laughed in relief.
11 I think I can do this.

What do paragraphs 8–11 suggest about Immanuel’s character, and what theme does that characterization develop?
A. Characterization: Immanuel feels rejected by his parents, so he is gratified to discover that his departure hurts them, too—he feels they deserve it.
Related Theme: Hiding emotions causes conflict in a family.
B. Characterization: Immanuel feels rejected by his parents, so he is gratified to discover that his departure hurts them, too—he feels they deserve it.
Related Theme: Competing for attention causes resentment in a family.
C. Characterization: Immanuel is nervous about his departure, but once he sees that his parents are also upset, his confidence returns—he is reassured that they care about him.
Related Theme: Insecurity is nurtured by the indulgence of others.
D. Characterization: Immanuel is nervous about his departure, but once he sees that his parents are also upset, his confidence returns—he is reassured that they care about him.
Related Theme: Self-confidence is nurtured by the love of others.

Answer 1

D.

Paragraphs 8–11 show Immanuel’s nervousness and feeling of rejection, then his relief and regained confidence when he sees his parents are actually upset—so he’s reassured they care. That supports the theme that self-confidence is nurtured by the love of others.