Question

Just Like My Dad
Tracy Wilson

1John took off his helmet, turnout gear, and boots in the truck room and hung the jacket on his assigned peg. Just above the peg was a handmade label that read, ‘FF#121 Wilson.’ John still felt a sudden surge of pride every time he looked at the label. His father would be proud too, he reminded himself. After 32 years and a couple million fires, his father still had the passion for it in his blood until the end.

2It was still an hour before dinner, so John washed up and settled down in the old worn chair beside the phone to do what he always did after returning from a fire call. He dialed each digit and then waited.

3"Hullo" a tiny voice finally answered. John was happy to hear the sound of the voice he had heard only in his head for the past two hours. "Daddy, have you been on a fire?" the inquisitive child asked.

4"As a matter of fact, I have son." John returned.

5"Wow Dad, I can’t wait until I get big, so I can fight fires too."

6"I know, Son."
How does the setting influence the theme of the story?
A Fighting fires is a difficult job.
B A firefighter's job takes him away from his family.
C Sons often wish to have the same careers as the fathers they love.
D Sons should try to find a career that is different from their fathers.

Answer 1

C

The details of the firehouse (gear, peg labeled “FF#121 Wilson,” returning from a call) emphasize the father’s identity as a firefighter and the son’s admiration, supporting the theme that sons often want the same careers as fathers they love.