Sam Bellamy and Mary Hallett

Question

(A Cape Cod Legend)

Once there was a sailor known as Sam Bellamy who fell in love with a girl named Mary Hallett. They lived on Cape Cod, just east of Boston. As a poor sailor, Sam could not offer Mary a nice home or expensive things, but they loved each other very much.
One day, Sam told Mary that he would go to sea and become a pirate. To be a pirate was risky and dangerous, and Sam would be an outlaw. He promised Mary he would return when he had enough gold. Then, he and Mary could be married and live in luxury. Mary was worried, but Sam was brave. He said he would be willing to take the risk. He swore that he would always return for Mary—no matter what.
Sam went to sea and became a very successful pirate. He was a friend to Blackbeard and all the other pirates in the Caribbean. He captured a fortune in gold and a powerful warship called the Whydah Galley. His crew called him Black Sam because he had long black hair, not because he was mean. He was known for his kindness towards the crews of the ships he captured.
Soon the day came when Sam had enough gold, and he set sail for Boston. Sadly, Sam's ship met a storm off the coast, and the waves drove it onto the rocks. Only two men survived, and it was said that Sam was not one of them. When Mary heard the news, she was heartbroken. She ate very little and roamed the coast alone for many years. Then, one night, she disappeared.
The residents of Cape Cod tell this legend to this day. According to them, a dark stranger came to Mary's house the night she disappeared. He had long, black hair and rich, golden rings on his fingers. They say she was last heard laughing.
9
Which of the following sentences best represents the theme of the passage?
A.
"One day, Sam told Mary that he would go to sea and become a pirate."
B.
"She ate very little and roamed the alone coast for many years."
C.
"He swore that he would always return for Mary—no matter what."
D.
"He was known for his kindness towards the crews of the ships he captured."

Answer 1

The sentence that best represents the theme of the passage is:

C. "He swore that he would always return for Mary—no matter what."

This sentence encapsulates the central idea of love and commitment between Sam and Mary, as well as the promise that drives the story's narrative.