Please help! Read the passage carefully.

The boy wanted to say something other than, “Thank you,
m’am,” to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, but although
his lips moved, he couldn’t even say that as he turned at the
foot of the barren stoop and looked up at the large woman in
the door. Then she shut the door.

Which best describes how the tone in this passage develops the theme of the story? Help!

Answer: The answer is...

The tone is peaceful. The tone helps to develop the theme that compassion can come from unexpected people and places.

Thanks!!

To analyze how the tone in this passage develops the theme of the story, let's first understand the basic elements. Tone refers to the author's attitude or feelings towards the subject matter, while the theme is the underlying message or central idea of a story.

To determine the tone, we can look at specific words or phrases that convey the author's attitude. In this passage, we see words like "wanted," "couldn't," and "barren," which suggest a sense of longing, frustration, and desolation. Additionally, the use of the word "large" to describe Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones emphasizes her physical appearance.

Considering the theme, we can infer that it relates to personal growth, human connection, or the power of kindness. The boy's desire to say something other than "Thank you, m'am" indicates his longing to express himself authentically. The shutting of the door by Mrs. Jones adds to the feeling of missed opportunity and a lack of connection.

Building upon this understanding, the tone in this passage contributes to the theme by highlighting the boy's inability to fully express himself and the missed chance for connection. It creates a sense of distance and unfulfilled potential, ultimately enhancing the theme of personal growth and human connection.

To fully grasp the theme and its development, it would be helpful to read the entire story, as this passage represents only a small part of the narrative.