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Question

How do James Withencroft's and Charles Atkinson's actions develop a theme in “August Heat”?

Responses

Withencroft spends the day at home drawing rather than go outside in the heat. Atkinson carves a flawed piece of marble which turns out well. This develops the theme that people should follow their first instincts.
Withencroft spends the day at home drawing rather than go outside in the heat. Atkinson carves a flawed piece of marble which turns out well. This develops the theme that people should follow their first instincts.

Withencroft explains that he is a forty-year-old artist. Atkinson carves the dates of Withencroft's supposed death into a tombstone. This develops the theme that some people can die young.
Withencroft explains that he is a forty-year-old artist. Atkinson carves the dates of Withencroft's supposed death into a tombstone. This develops the theme that some people can die young.

Withencroft tells about seeing the date of his death on a tombstone. His drawing and Atkinson's actions appear threatening, but Withencroft survives to write about the coincidences. This develops the theme that things can turn out better than expected.
Withencroft tells about seeing the date of his death on a tombstone. His drawing and Atkinson's actions appear threatening, but Withencroft survives to write about the coincidences. This develops the theme that things can turn out better than expected.

Withencroft goes out for a walk and ends up at the home of a stone carver. Atkinson carves a headstone with Withencroft's name on it. This develops the theme that one cannot choose one's destiny.

Answer 1

Withencroft spends the day at home drawing rather than go outside in the heat. Atkinson carves a flawed piece of marble which turns out well. This develops the theme that people should follow their first instincts. By staying indoors and following his passion for drawing, Withencroft avoids the potential dangers of the outside world, such as overheating or getting into trouble. Atkinson, on the other hand, follows his first instinct to carve the marble despite it appearing flawed, and it ultimately turns out to be a success. This suggests that following one's first instincts can lead to positive outcomes.