The City Mouse and the Country MouseAdapted from the book Aesop's Fables A New Revised Version From Original Sources, The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse by Aesop, public domain.Background: The country Mouse, Jessup, invited his city friend, Vince, to pay him a visit and partake in the country fare. SCENE IJESSUP: (eating wheat–stalks) These magnificent roots that have been pulled from the hedge-row are full of natural flavors.VINCE: (barely gulping down the wheat) You live like ants live, eating snippets of food fit for the poor.(Vince spits out the grain.)VINCE: (speaking arrogantly) My house is the horn of plenty. I am surrounded with every luxury, and if you come follow me, you shall have an ample share of my dainties.JESSUP: (nodding his head yes) You persuaded me, dear Vince. We shall leave my quaint abode and travel to your plentiful home in the city.SCENE II(Enter Vince and Jessup)VINCE: (offering fare) You thought the wheat–stalk was a delectable dine, now sample my cuisine. Enjoy the barley, beans, dried figs, honey, raisins, and last but certainly not least, this dainty piece of cheese.JESSUP: (gazing with much delight) How can I express my satisfaction of these extravagances? My miserably dull fare cannot even begin to compare to the delicacy you have generously introduced to me.(Just as they are beginning to eat, the door opens and a person enters.)(Vince and Jessup hastily run off to a hole so narrow that two could only find room in it by squeezing.)JESSUP: (petrified tone) We had scarcely begun dining in the cuisine and had to escape as to not be captured or injured.VINCE: (speaking solemnly) Alas, dear friend, this is the lot we've been given in the city. To dine in such delicacies means to forever be watchful for humans. Quite unfortunate.JESSUP: (matter of fact address) Now then, I am utterly famished. Although you have prepared for me so dainty a feast, I must leave you to enjoy it by your lonesome. It is surrounded by too many dangers for my liking. Better a little safety, than an abundance surrounded by threat.(Jessup scuttles off the stage.)

Question

What is the overall theme of the passage?
A.
It is better to be safe than sorry.

B.
Be watchful of others.

C.
Surprises create exciting moments.

D.
Take opportunities as they come.

Answer 1

The overall theme of the passage is:

A. It is better to be safe than sorry.

This is evident in Jessup's decision to leave Vince's luxurious but dangerous environment in favor of his simpler, safer country life.