The old woman, Elara, sat on the cracked stoop of her shack, the setting sun casting long shadows across the dusty yard. Her granddaughter, Maya, a bright-eyed girl of ten, sat beside her, listening intently as Elara spun a tale of a brave weaver who, despite facing poverty and hardship, created breathtaking tapestries that brought joy to her village. Elara's stories weren’t just tales of fantasy; they were reflections of their harsh reality. Their village, nestled in a remote valley, was plagued by economic disparity. While some families lived in relative comfort, owning fertile lands and thriving businesses, others, like Elara and Maya, struggled to make ends meet. The chasm between the affluent and the impoverished was a stark, ever-present reality. Yet, within these tales, Maya discovered a strength she hadn't known she possessed. Elara’s stories weren’t merely escapism; they were subtle lessons in resilience, resourcefulness, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The weaver’s perseverance, her ingenuity in transforming meager resources into something beautiful, resonated deeply within Maya. She began to see her own struggles not as insurmountable obstacles, but as challenges to overcome, opportunities for growth. One day, Maya found a discarded piece of fabric. Inspired by Elara’s stories, she didn't see trash; she saw potential. She meticulously gathered other discarded materials – scraps of cloth, beads, buttons – and began to create her own small tapestry. It wasn't perfect, but it was a testament to her burgeoning creativity and a symbol of her burgeoning self-belief. This act of creation was a significant step in Maya’s journey of self-discovery and a powerful assertion of her worth, regardless of her economic circumstances. Elara’s storytelling, deeply rooted in their shared experience of poverty, became a vital tool in Maya’s spiritual growth. It fostered not only a sense of hope and resilience but also a profound understanding of the human condition, transcending the limitations of their impoverished reality. The stories became a bridge, connecting their everyday struggles to universal themes of perseverance and the transformative power of creativity, ultimately enriching Maya's spirit and fostering a sense of self-worth.
1. Which of the following best summarizes the central theme of the passage?
2. What does Maya's creation of the tapestry symbolize?
3. How does Elara's storytelling differ from simple escapism?
4. The phrase "a bridge, connecting their everyday struggles to universal themes" refers to: