Question

identifying universal themes
ralph turned to the shelter and lifted a branch with a whole tiling of leaves.
the leaves came apart and fluttered down. simon’s contrite face appeared in the hole.
“sorry.”
ralph surveyed the wreck with distaste.
“never get it done.”
he flung himself down at jack’s feet. simon remained, looking out of the hole in the shelter. once down, ralph explained.
“been working for days now. and look!”
two shelters were in position, but shaky. this one was a ruin.
“and they keep running off. you remember the meeting? how everyone was going to work hard until the shelters were finished?”
“except me and my hunters—”
“except the hunters. well, the littluns are—”
click to see the list of universal themes in pdf or word - processing format. then choose the universal theme best shown by this excerpt.
○ the tension between freedom and responsibility
○ humanity’s search for meaning in the world
○ the struggle for equality
○ the consuming power of guilt

Explanation:

The excerpt shows Ralph frustrated with others not fulfilling their responsibility (working on shelters) as they seek freedom (running off). The tension between doing the responsible work (building shelters) and the freedom to do other things (hunting, running off) is evident. The other options: "humanity’s search for meaning" doesn't fit, "struggle for equality" is not shown, and "consuming power of guilt" is not the focus here.

Answer:

the tension between freedom and responsibility