"I should explain," he added, "what I was really too cold

and fatigued to do before, that I am an experimental
investigator.
"Indeed,
sir,
said Mrs. Hall, much
impressed. "And my baggage contains apparatus and
appliances.
"Very useful things indeed they are, sir,"
said Mrs. Hall. "And I'm very naturally anxious to get on
with my inquiries."
"Of course, sir.
"My reason for
coming
to lping,
he proceeded,
with a certain
deliberation of manner, "was ... a desire for solitude. I do
not wish to be disturbed in my work. In addition to my
work, an accident-"'"I thought as much," said Mrs. Hall
to herself. "My eyes-
-are sometimes so weak and
painful that I have to shut myself up in the dark for hours
together. Lock myself up. Sometimes-now and then.
Not at present, certainly. At such times the slightest
disturbance, the entry of a stranger into the room, is a
source of excruciating annoyance to me-it is well
these things should be understood." "Certainly, sir," said
Mrs. Hall. "And if I might make so bold as to ask-
." "That
think, is all," said the stranger, with that quietly irresistible
air of finality he could assume at will. Mrs. Hall reserved
her question and sympathy for a better occasion. What is the primary theme
of the story?
A Sharing with others can help
develop relationships.
B You should be trusting of others.
C Hard work can lead to mistakes.
D Focusing on work can be
consuming.

1 answer

The primary theme of the story is D. Focusing on work can be consuming. The character expresses a desire for solitude to concentrate on his experimental work and mentions that disturbances cause him great annoyance, indicating that his focus on work takes precedence over social interactions and relationships.