Identify the Theme: Which Statement Reflects a General Message?

Question :

Which statement is a theme? A. Two friends travel in search of the dreaded monster. B. The Cedar Forest is a marvel of towering trees. C. Encouragement can be a source of strength. D. Humbaba is an evil monster who is defeated.

Description of the Answer:

A theme is a central idea or underlying message in a story, often reflecting broader truths about life or human nature. To identify a theme from the given options, consider which statement conveys a general lesson or insight that could apply to various situations beyond the specific details of the story.

• Option A (“Two friends travel in search of the dreaded monster”) describes an action or plot event but does not convey a general idea or lesson.
• Option B (“The Cedar Forest is a marvel of towering trees”) provides a description of a setting, not a theme.
• Option C (“Encouragement can be a source of strength”) reflects a general idea or message about the positive impact of encouragement, which is a broader lesson applicable in various contexts.
• Option D (“Humbaba is an evil monster who is defeated”) details a specific character and event, but it does not express a broader, universal idea or message.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: Encouragement can be a source of strength. This statement best represents a theme as it offers a general insight into the value of encouragement.