Read the Story Below and answer the questions. Aesop was a storyteller who lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 560 BCE. This story is part of his collection of tales known as “Aesop’s Fables,” which did not survive in writing but were passed down by people retelling them. They have deeply influenced children's literature and modern storytelling culture. As you read, take notes on the relationship between the mother and the thief throughout the story. The Thief and His Mother By Aesop 620-560 B. C. A boy stole a lesson-book from one of his schoolfellows and took it home to his Mother. She not only abstained (1) from beating him, but encouraged him. (2) He next time stole a cloak and brought it to her, and she again commended him. The Youth, advanced to adulthood, proceeded to steal things of still greater value. At last he was caught in the very act, and having his hands bound behind him, was led away to the place of public execution. His Mother followed in the crowd and violently beat her breast in sorrow, whereupon the young man said, “I wish to say something to my Mother in her ear.” She came close to him, and he quickly seized her ear with his teeth and bit it off. The Mother upbraided (3) him as an unnatural child, whereon he replied, “Ah! If you had beaten me when I first stole and brought to you that lesson-book, I should not have come to this, nor have been thus led to a disgraceful death.” 1. Abstain (verb) : to choose not to do or have something 2. Physical punishment for children was common in Aesop's time as a way to shape their behavior. 3. Upbraid (verb) : to criticize or scold harshly PART A: Which of the following statements best describes a theme in the text? * 1 point The best way to learn about consequences is by making mistakes. Children who misbehave are unnatural and cannot be saved. Parents have an important role in shaping their children’s behavior. Strict parents have better relationships with their children.