In a short story, a man is asked to lie to hide the fact that a family member
has committed a crime. He accepts this and keeps this secret for many years,
even as it angers him to lie to people about it. He realizes that keeping the
secret is making him an angry person and eventually decides to tell the truth,
even if doing so has serious consequences.
Which is the most accurate analysis of two literary themes from this story?
A. The story expresses admiration for those exhibiting resilience and
endurance
B. The story provides emotional encouragement to those who have
experienced loss
C. The story explores the limits of resignation and the dangers of
frustration
D. The story describes sadness as a complement to, rather than the
opposite of joy

Read the excerpt from act 3 of a doll’s house. mrs. linde: you seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been quite another man. krogstad: i am certain of it. mrs. linde: is it too late now? krogstad: christine, are you saying this deliberately? yes, i am sure you are. i see it in your face. have you really the courage, then—? mrs. linde: i want to be a mother to someone, and your children need a mother. we two need each other. nils, i have faith in your real character—i can dare anything together with you. krogstad [grasps her hands]. , , christine! now i shall find a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. ah, but i forgot— how does the conflict in this passage develop a theme? mrs. linde creates a conflict by promising something she cannot give to krogstad, which develops the theme that empty promises can destroy relationships. krogstad continues the conflict by choosing clearing his name over having a life with mrs. linde, which develops the theme that you must often choose yourself over others. krogstad creates a conflict by deceiving mrs. linde about his intentions, which develops the theme that, in love, actions speak louder than words. mrs. linde resolves the conflict by committing to a new life with krogstad, which develops the theme that new beginnings are always possible.