Question

Read this excerpt from The Outsiders. I was wishing I looked like Paul Newman—he looks tough and I don’t—but I guess my own looks aren’t so bad. I have light-brown, almost-red hair and greenish-gray eyes. I wish they were more gray, because I hate most guys that have green eyes, but I have to be content with what I have. What is a universal theme found in the excerpt? Be happy with the person you are. Outside appearance does not matter. Beauty fades, but character does not. Dreams come true with hard work.

Answer 1

The universal theme found in the excerpt is that be happy with the person you are.

• The theme being discussed in the excerpt given is Be satisfied with the person you are as the speaker refers to different aspects of his physical appearance.
• He even compares his looks to those of another person that is Paul Newman. He claims that while he wants to look like Newman, although his own looks are not so bad.
• He also supports himself although he needs to get another eye color. The message in this excerpt is "Be satisfied with the person you are

Answer 2

Answer: A

Explanation: