What is most clearly one theme of “Exhalation”?
A. Beauty is found more in the theoretical elements of life than in the physical.
B. It is better to accept changes in life than to fight them.
C. The scientific method can reveal important truths about existence.
D. Self-awareness is the first step to finding one’s dreams.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. The scientific method can reveal important truths about existence.
Explanation:
“Exhalation” is a science fiction short story by Ted Chiang that explores themes of curiosity, self-examination, and the nature of reality through a highly analytical lens. The story is narrated by an air-driven mechanical being who investigates the mechanics of its own existence by conducting an experiment involving the flow of air (or “argon”) within its body. This investigation is a direct application of the scientific method: observing phenomena, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions.
The narrator’s methodical dissection of its internal workings serves as a metaphor for how the scientific method helps uncover the fundamental truths about life and the universe. Through this rigorous inquiry, the story highlights that objective investigation and empirical evidence are powerful tools for understanding reality. The narrator comes to profound realizations about entropy, the inevitability of change, and the universe’s eventual fate — insights only accessible through careful, systematic examination.
While other options touch on interesting themes, they don’t capture the central thrust of the story as clearly:
- A (Beauty in theoretical over physical) is somewhat related, since the story values knowledge, but the story isn’t primarily about beauty; it’s more about understanding reality.
- B (Accepting change) is a minor thematic undercurrent — the narrator does accept change — but the story’s main focus is on the pursuit of knowledge.
- D (Self-awareness and dreams) is less relevant since the story emphasizes self-understanding through scientific inquiry, not dreams or aspirations.
In sum, “Exhalation” celebrates the power of the scientific method to reveal deep truths about existence, making C the best thematic choice.