Which statement best defines a theme in a short story? a. a theme is the use of an object to represent a larger idea. b. a theme is the central message, moral, or lesson conveyed using characters, setting, and plot. c. a theme build tension between the characters in a story. d. a theme is the topic of a story, which the author develops through a particular tone and mood. e. a theme reveal the order in which events occur in a story.

the statement that best defines a theme in a short story would be b.

answer:

a theme is the central message, moral, or lesson conveyed using characters, setting, and plot.

explanation:

paine is arguying that they had tried everything before coming to the conclusion that they needed to fight for their freedom.

argument: "every quiet method for peace hath been ineffectual."

claim 1: "our prayers have been rejected with disdain; and only tended to convince us, that nothing flatters vanity, or confirms obstinacy in kings more than repeated petitioning and nothing hath contributed more than that very measure to make the kings of europe absolute."

claim 2: "wherefore, since nothing but blows will do, for god’s sake, let us come to a final separation, and not leave the next generation to be cutting throats, under the violated unmeaning names of parent and child."