Prompt: Identify a common theme in "The Inheritance of Tools" and "Margaret's Story." Discuss how each text develops this theme, providing specific examples for support.

Answer: A common theme in both "The Inheritance of Tools" by Scott Russell Sanders and "Margaret's Story" (assuming you are referring to a specific story with this title which you haven't specified the author of) is the theme of legacy and the passing of values from one generation to the next.

In "The Inheritance of Tools," Sanders reflects on his experiences with his father, focusing on how the use of tools and the act of building and repairing things were an essential part of their relationship. The tools themselves serve as a physical representation of the knowledge and values passed down from Sanders' grandfather to his father, and then to him. Specific examples include Sanders' narration of his father's precise craftsmanship, the description of the care given to tools, and how he believes in repairing rather than replacing something that is broken, which speaks to a larger ethos of stewardship and respect for material objects that has been inherited alongside the tools.

Assuming "Margaret's Story" follows a similar thematic path (since the specific text isn't clarified here), a character named Margaret might also navigate through her own familial legacy. For example, the story could depict Margaret inheriting a non-material legacy such as her family's stories, values, or a particular way of life. Through stories told by her relatives or personal experiences she has with them, this legacy impacts her own identity and choices. Specific textual evidence would show Margaret interacting with this inheritance and the effects it has on her, which could be subtle or more explicit, depending on the narrative style.

Both texts, though they may explore the theme in different contexts or use different symbols (tools in one, possibly stories or another object in the other), develop the idea that what we inherit from our families shapes us in profound ways. The texts also likely grapple with the notion that this inheritance is a source of both strength and obligation, providing a sense of identity while also imposing certain expectations.

Extra: The theme of legacy is a rich topic in literature. It explores how traditions, knowledge, and values are handed down across generations. One key element is the tension between the reverence for what has been passed down and the individual's need to forge their own path. This can lead to characters struggling to honor their heritage while also wanting to break new ground. Legacy can be seen in tangible items like a craftsman's tools, a family's land, or an heirloom, but it is equally present in intangible forms like beliefs, skills, and stories. Through the exploration of this theme, literature often emphasizes the importance of learning from the past while also highlighting the importance of personal growth and the development of one’s own identity.