"The Secret Lion" by Alberto Alvaro Rios focuses on the changes that the boys in the story go through as they grow up. A recurring theme in the story is that "things get taken away." There are a number of ways in which this theme can be interpreted. Below are four thesis statements. Choose one and only one thesis statement and write an essay in support of the thesis statement you have chosen.

Your essay should begin with a brief introductory paragraph that ends with the thesis statement which you have chosen. The body of the essay should develop the thesis statement using specific details drawn from the story. Use topic sentences that indicate the major points you are developing as support for the thesis. If you include a quotation, be sure to quote exactly and to explain how the quotation supports the point you are making. There is no need to document material from the story. Your concluding paragraph should point to a significant, important, relevant, or valuable conclusion to be drawn from your discussion of the thesis.

Your essay should be about 500 words (four to six paragraphs) in length. Your essay will be graded on how well you develop and support your ideas in clear and correct English. Be sure to save time to proofread your essays. The essays should evidence a solid grasp of basic language skills, be free from major grammatical errors, and follow MLA documentation format.

"The Secret Lion" by Alberto Alvaro Rios examines the ways in which the narrator of the story and his friend are "victimized" by their society.

"The Secret Lion" by Alberto Alvaro Rios explores how children use fantasy to cope with reality.

In "The Secret Lion" by Alberto Alvaro Rios, the lion becomes a symbol for the forces of change the narrator and his friend face as they are forced to grow up.

"The Secret Lion" by Alberto Alvaro Rios illustrates the difficult lessons children learn as they grow up and things get taken away.