A theme of “Gumption” is that it is important to stand up for what is right, no matter what the outcome.

Question

How does old man Oyster’s interaction with the government employee contribute to this theme?

Responses

He uses reason and logic to persuade the government employee to consider his son for office work.

He uses reason and logic to persuade the government employee to consider his son for office work.

He chooses to sacrifice his job doing roadwork to convince the government employee to find his son a job.

He chooses to sacrifice his job doing roadwork to convince the government employee to find his son a job.

He bargains with the government employee until he is able to secure road work with higher pay.

He bargains with the government employee until he is able to secure road work with higher pay.

He argues with the government employee about the merits of education and experience until he ends up in jail.
He argues with the government employee about the merits of education and experience until he ends up in jail.

Answer 1

Old man Oyster’s interaction with the government employee illustrates the theme of “Gumption” through his willingness to stand up for what is right, even at a significant personal cost. The relevant response that best embodies this theme is:

He argues with the government employee about the merits of education and experience until he ends up in jail.

This response reflects old man Oyster's determination to advocate for his son and address what he perceives to be an injustice. His confrontation, resulting in his imprisonment, underscores the idea that standing up for one's beliefs can involve risk and sacrifice. It highlights the theme of gumption by demonstrating that taking a stand is vital, regardless of the dire personal consequences one may face.