Sample Response: Della and Jim both make
sacrifices for each other because they care about each
other. Della sacrifices her hair, and Jim sacrifices his
watch. Even though their sacrifices make them unable
to use each other's presents, they realize how important
their love is. This makes them wise, as the theme
suggests.
What did you include in your response? Check all that
apply
a description of the sacrifice
actions of characters
feelings of characters

In 250 words, discuss the ways in which the novel relates to the historical context in which it was published.

In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. when the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the constitution and the declaration of independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every american was to fall heir. this note was a promise that all men—yes, black men as well as white men—would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. it is obvious today that america has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. instead of honoring this sacred obligation, america has given the negro people a bad check, a check that has come back marked “insufficient funds.” but we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. we refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. and so we’ve come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and security of justice. in this section of the speech, analyze martin luther king’s connection between a defaulted promissory note and the lack of freedom experienced by african americans. which option offers the best analysis? question 3 options: mlk creates this analogy to communicate that america has enough freedom for all, but it needs to live up to its promises. mlk makes the analogy that america has run out of freedom. not everyone deserves to have it. mlk communicates that america should equally distribute funds to all citizens. everyone deserves equal access to the government’s money. mlk demonstrates that america is improving in equality and should keep the forward momentum.

Which statement is true about the theme of a short story? a. the theme is directly stated in the story. b. the theme is the message the author wants to convey. c. the theme is the purpose of the story. d. the theme is the same as the subject of the story.