Question

tab 1
the enchanted types

1. frank baum
2. one time a knook became tired of his beautiful life and longed for something new to do. the knooks have more wonderful powers than any other immortal folk—except, perhaps, the fairies and ryls. so one would suppose that a knook who might gain anything he desired by a simple wish could not be otherwise than happy and contented. but such was not the case with popopo, the knook we are speaking of. he had lived thousands of years, and had enjoyed all the wonders he could think of. yet life had become as tedious to him now as it might be to one who was unable to gratify a single wish.
3. finally, by chance, popopo thought of the earth people who dwell in cities, and so he resolved to visit them and see how they lived. this would surely be fine amusement, and serve to pass away many wearisome hours.

which most closely expresses a thematic link between aesop’s fable and baum’s story?
a love lasts forever
b everyone is selfish at times.
c creatures are happiest when free.
d creatures are violent when frightened.

Explanation:

Aesop's fables often center on themes of contentment and the value of freedom/self-determination. The provided excerpt from Baum's story shows Popopo, an immortal with vast powers, is unhappy despite his privileged, constrained "perfect" life and longs for new, unscripted experiences (a form of seeking freedom). Option C aligns with this: both texts would emphasize that beings thrive when they have freedom, not when confined to a static, unchanging existence. The other options do not match: love is unmentioned, selfishness is not the focus, and violence/fear is not referenced.

Answer:

C. Creatures are happiest when free