The theme developed by the details in this passage is that courage is the ability to face your fears. This is illustrated by Mitchell, who, despite his fear of thunder, finds a way to cope with it by using earmuffs so he can still enjoy the storm in his own quiet way. The family's search for him and their eventual discovery of his solution also highlights the idea of addressing fears directly rather than hiding from them.
Thundermuffs
by Cindy Blobaum
MOM: Oh, dear, maybe we overdid it. We need to find him and apologize. I’ll look in the kitchen pantry. (Goes through living room and out upstage center door, calling loudly) Mitchell! Mitchell!
STEPHEN: I’ll check the basement. (Exits right, calling loudly) Hey, Little Brother! Sorry if I hurt you! Come on out.
THERESA: I’ll look in the closets. (Goes through living room, out up center)
OLIVIA: Remember the time he hid in the bathtub? I’ll check there. (Exits upstage)
RYAN: I’ll look behind the curtains. (Goes into living room, starts to move curtains aside)
DAD: Hmm. (Looks under bed) He’s not under his bed. Where could he be?
RYAN (Quietly; to himself): Well, I’ll be. . . (Puts curtains back in place, then shouts) Mom! Dad! Everyone. Come here! I’ve found him! (Everyone rushes into living room.)
ALL (Ad lib): Where is he? I don’t see him. Is he still scared? (Etc.)
RYAN (Proudly): Look! (Throws open the curtains. MITCHELL is sitting on the porch, his back to the family, earmuffs over his ears.)
MOM (Shaking her head): I don’t believe it!
STEPHEN: Would you look at that!
OLIVIA: He figured it out for himself! (Family files out the door to the porch. MITCHELL turns and notices them.)
MITCHELL (Lifting up one side of earmuffs): I don’t mind a good storm. I just like it quiet. (Large crack of thunder is heard.)
Thundermuffs, by Cindy Blobaum © This play is reprinted from Plays, The Drama Magazine for Young People with the permission of the publisher Plays/Sterling Partners Inc. 897 Washington Street #600160, Newton, MA 02460
Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
What theme of the play is developed by the details in this passage?
(1 point)
Responses
Fear can be an effective motivator.
Fear can be an effective motivator.
Being prepared is an essential component of dealing with severe weather.
Being prepared is an essential component of dealing with severe weather.
Courage is the ability to face your fears.
Courage is the ability to face your fears.
Listening to people is better than assuming things about them.
Listening to people is better than assuming things about them.
Skip to navigation
1 answer