Answer;
In Robert Cormier's "President Cleveland, Where Are You?" the theme that a sign of maturity is the realization that it is important to put loved ones before oneself is evident through the actions and interactions of the characters and key events in the story.
1. Actions of Characters:
The main character, a young boy named Howard, demonstrates this theme through his growth and development throughout the story. At the beginning, Howard is primarily focused on himself and his own desires. However, as the story progresses, he begins to prioritize the well-being and happiness of his family members, particularly his sister, Annie. This shift in focus highlights his growing maturity and understanding of the importance of putting loved ones first.
2. Interactions of Characters:
Howard's interactions with his family members, especially with Annie, showcase the theme of putting loved ones before oneself. For instance, Howard takes on responsibilities to help his family, showing his willingness to make sacrifices for their sake. His concern for Annie's well-being and his actions to support her during challenging times emphasize the theme of maturity and selflessness.
3. Key Events in the Story:
Throughout the narrative, key events such as Annie's illness and Howard's actions in response to it further reinforce the theme of prioritizing loved ones. Howard's choices and decisions during these critical moments demonstrate his growth in understanding the importance of selflessness and putting family first.
In conclusion, "President Cleveland, Where Are You?" by Robert Cormier effectively explores the theme that maturity involves realizing the significance of putting loved ones before oneself. Through the actions, interactions, and key events in the story, the development of this theme is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and empathy in relationships.
Explanation:
