The Crow Child by Mary Mapes Dodge

Question

Midway between a certain blue lake and a deep forest there once stood a cottage, called by its owner “The Rookery.”

The forest shut out the sunlight and scowled upon the ground, breaking with shadows every ray that fell, until only a few little pieces lay scattered about. But the broad lake invited all the rays to come and rest upon her, so that sometimes she shone from shore to shore, and the sun winked and blinked above her, as though dazzled by his own reflection. The cottage, which was very small, had sunny windows and dark windows. Only from the roof could you see the mountains beyond, where the light crept up in the morning and down in the evening, turning all the brooks into living silver as it passed.

But something brighter than sunshine used often to look from the cottage into the forest, and something even more gloomy than shadows often glowered from its windows upon the sunny lake. One was the face of little Ruky Lynn; and the other was his sister’s when she felt angry or ill-tempered.

They were orphans, Cora and Ruky, living alone in the cottage with an old uncle. Cora—or “Cor,” as Ruky called her—was nearly sixteen years old, but her brother had seen the forest turn yellow only four times. She was, therefore, almost mother and sister in one. The little fellow was her companion night and day. Together they ate and slept, and—when Cora was not at work in the cottage—together they rambled in the wood, or floated in their little skiff upon the lake.............

**All of The Crow Child**.......
How does the author complete the development of a universal theme in the story?
1. By having Ruky state the theme explicitly in the dialogue.
2. By having Cora State the theme explicitly in the dialogue.
3. By showing how Cora's mindset toward Ruky has changed by the end.
4. By showing how Ruky's behavior has changed in response to the events in the story.

Answer 1

In "The Crow Child," the author develops a universal theme by illustrating the characters' growth and experiences throughout the story. The most fitting option is:

3. By showing how Cora's mindset toward Ruky has changed by the end.

This choice implies that the story emphasizes character development and the evolution of relationships, which is a common element in stories featuring themes of growing up, responsibility, and familial bonds. Cora's transformation in her views and feelings towards her brother Ruky captures the essence of their shared experiences and the broader themes of love, care, and maturity.