What is theme?
- the dramatic struggle or clash between two or more forces in a story
- the recurring object, concept, or idea in a story
- the lesson a reader infers from reading a story
- the central message or insight revealed through a story

Read the following excerpt from leslie marmon silko’s story "the man to send rain clouds." the priest stared down at his scuffed brown loafers and the worn hem of his cassock. “for a christian burial it was necessary.” his voice was distant, and leon thought that his blue eyes looked tired. “it's o. k., father, we just want him to have plenty of water.” the priest sank down into the green chair and picked up a glossy missionary magazine. he turned the colored pages full of lepers and pagans without looking at them. “you know i can't do that, leon. there should have been the last rites and a funeral mass at the very least.” leon put on his green cap and pulled the flaps down over his ears. “it's getting late, father. i've got to go.” which of the following statements best describes the thematic significance of this dialogue? this dialogue emphasizes the ongoing personal conflict between leon and father paul. this conversation between leon and father paul makes it clear that they will never come to an agreement. leon’s and father paul’s differing perspectives of the situation reflect their larger cultural conflicts. leon’s hasty exit from father paul’s house reflects his discomfort with the priest and christianity.