State the central theme of "The Thief" and cite two incidents from the story that support this theme.
Answer
The central theme is redemption; it is shown when the thief returns the stolen items and when he weeps at the temple.
The correct answer is The central theme is redemption; it is shown when the thief returns the stolen items and when he weeps at the temple. — These two incidents illustrate the theme of redemption through remorse.
Step-by-step solution
- Identify the overall message the author wants to convey.
- Look for moments where the thief changes his behaviour.
- First incident: the thief decides to give back the stolen ornaments to the house owner.
- Second incident: he breaks down and weeps at the temple, showing remorse.
- These two incidents illustrate the theme of redemption through remorse.
Common mistake: Confusing the theme with the moral lesson that stealing is wrong.
Concept tested: Theme identification
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
Related questions
- 1 Analyze the use of contrast between day and night in "The Thief" to develop the story's theme of duality. Provide at least two examples.
- 2 What is the narrative point of view used in the story "The Thief"?
- 3 Write a paragraph of about 70 words describing how the climax of "The Thief" resolves the main conflict and its impact on the thief's character.
- 4 Which of the following words best describes the narrator's attitude towards the thief at the end of "The Thief"?
- 5 How many instances of personification are there in "The Thief"? State the count and give one example.
- 6 Explain how the moon is used as a symbol in "The Thief" to reflect the thief's inner turmoil, providing evidence from the text.