Identifying Theme
Which statement best expresses the theme of this
passage?
It is important to be proud of your heritage.
Understanding your background can make you a
happier person.
Alfonso had pretended not to hear his father and had
gone to his room, where he studied his hair from all
angles in the mirror. He liked what he saw until he smiled
and realized for the first time that his teeth were crooked,
like a pile of wrecked cars. He grew depressed and turned
away from the mirror. He sat on his bed and leafed
through the rock magazine until he came to the rock star
with the butched top. His mouth was closed, but Alfonso
was sure his teeth weren't crooked.

Now long and short works of fiction have different characteristics beyond simply the length of the work. think of a short story that you like and a longer work (novel or novella) that you like. you can use the story and novella from this unit if no other works come to mind quickly. discuss the elements of each work that made it enjoyable to read. what relationship did the form of the work (short story, novella, or novel) have in making it an enjoyable read? what elements of fiction were strongest in the work, and how did they impact your enjoyment of the story? compare the two works you chose. how are they representative of short fiction versus longer forms of fiction?

What does atticus do that makes mayella ewell think that he's making fun of her? what does this show us about mayella's life?

What is the effect of the author's choice of the word loathsome rather than hateful in this sentence from the count of monte cristo? two soldiers were accordingly sent for, and the inspector descended a stairway, so foul, so humid, so dark, as to be loathsome to sight, smell, and respiration. it reveals that the unpleasant aspects of the stairway are manmade. it stresses the disgusting, offensive nature of the stairway. it suggests that the soldiers are used to the place and do not hate it. it implies that the effects of the stairway are felt only by the inspector.