The Stonecutter (theme)

What is the theme of a story?

• The main characters

• The setting of the story

• The deeper meaning or lesson of the story

• The number of pages in the book

What can help you identify the theme of a story?

• The number of chapters

• The author's biography

• Clues like the title, characters' actions, and plot

• The price of the book

What did the stonecutter wish to become after seeing the sun?

• A cloud

• A rock

• A tree

• A bird

Why did the stonecutter want to become a rock?

• Because rocks are shiny

• Because rocks are powerful

• Because rocks can fly

• Because rocks are soft

How does the stonecutter feel about his work at the beginning of the passage?

• He enjoys it.

• He is unhappy.

• He finds it tiring.

• He wants to change jobs.

Which event causes the stonecutter to make his first wish?

• The sun is in his eyes.

• It begins to rain hard.

• He chips away at rock.

• A cloud blocks the sun.

What is the theme of the passage?

• Being strong and mighty only leads to trouble.

• Nature is more powerful than people.

• Be content with who you are.

• Wishes really do come true.

Which sentence from the passage supports the answer in Part A?

• “He became angry that the cloud seemed more powerful than he.” (paragraph 2)

• “This made him feel very powerful until he looked down and saw a large rock.” (paragraph 3)

• “The stonecutter was quite content as a rock, for neither the sun nor the rain bothered him.” (paragraph 4)

• “‘I will never again wish to be anything greater,’ the stonecutter promised, ‘and I will be happy at last!’” (paragraph 4)