Which statement best expresses a shared theme of desire in "The Monkey's Paw" and "New Chicago"? A. What you think you want may not actually be what you want. B. Wanting something is very different from needing it. c. When you ask for what you want, you are likely to receive it. D. Being clear on what you want will help you get it.

To determine the best statement that expresses a shared theme of desire in "The Monkey's Paw" and "New Chicago," let's analyze the themes in both works. 1. **"The Monkey's Paw"**: This story revolves around the idea that the characters' desires lead to unintended consequences. The paw grants wishes, but each wish comes with a heavy price, illustrating that what one desires may not lead to happiness or fulfillment. 2. **"New Chicago"**: This work often explores the aspirations and desires of individuals in a changing urban landscape. The characters may pursue their dreams, but the outcomes can be complex and not always aligned with their initial desires. Now, let's evaluate the options: A. **What you think you want may not actually be what you want.** - This aligns well with both stories, as both illustrate that the characters' desires lead to unexpected and often negative outcomes. B. **Wanting something is very different from needing it.** - While this statement has merit, it doesn't capture the essence of the consequences of desire as strongly as option A. C. **When you ask for what you want, you are likely to receive it.** - This statement is true in both stories, but it doesn't emphasize the negative consequences that follow, which is a critical aspect of the theme. D. **Being clear on what you want will help you get it.** - This statement suggests that clarity in desire leads to positive outcomes, which is not the case in either story. Based on this analysis, the best statement that expresses a shared theme of desire in both "The Monkey's Paw" and "New Chicago" is: **A. What you think you want may not actually be what you want.**