Question

lizette jumped into the river. she had just sprinted back from jeremiah’s cabin and the river’s cool water felt glorious. “i can’t believe i agreed to paddle all the way to jenkins tonight,” lizette chuckled to herself. “but it’ll sure be nice when jeremiah has a fiddle again.”

jeremiah lived about a mile away on knuckleback hill. jeremiah’s gatherings every saturday night brought out all the river folk. unfortunately, last month, his fiddle was crushed. the gatherings went on, but without the toe - tappin’ music, they weren’t the same.

when lizette visited jeremiah, he told her the news. “mrs. lafayette sent word that she has a fiddle that i can have—it was her granddaddy’s. i just need to go and collect it, but with all this work, i can’t go for two weeks.”

lizette couldn’t imagine another gathering without music. “i’ll go tonight!” she blurted.

jeremiah tipped his hat. “that’s awfully kind, lizzy, but mrs. lafayette lives clear down the river near jenkins.” lizette assured jeremiah she could do it.

now that it was time to go, lizette had second thoughts. night had approached, and with it, shadows of uncertainty.

lizette looked across the swamp. she held up her lantern and stared at the dark, mossy trees. what if she got lost? her hand trembled slightly. telling herself that it was no time for fear, she jumped into the canoe and pushed off from the dock. she flinched with every splash and ripple but kept paddling steadily. when she finally spotted the lantern

16
select the correct answer.
which statement best describes the theme of the story?
a. work should never come before having fun.
b. it is better to be safe than sorry.
c. disappointment sometimes requires patience.
d. having courage is sometimes necessary.

Explanation:

The story shows Lizette feels uncertain about traveling alone at night to get the fiddle, but she pushes past her fear to help restore the community's fun gatherings. This centers on overcoming hesitation through courage to act for others. Option A is incorrect as work/fun balance is not the focus; Option B does not fit, as safety is not the core conflict; Option C is wrong because patience is not the key element—acting despite fear is.

Answer:

D. Having courage is sometimes necessary.