Answer:
THEME: It is better to face your fears than to avoid them.
The author encourages readers to confront their fears rather than avoid them. Martin's fear was able to track him down because he had fled from it.
EVIDENCE FROM THE STORY:
12-year-old. Martin dreads being alone in an elevator and feels nervous in the elevator with others. He states: "That was what he hated about being alone in the thing—the fear of being trapped in there for hours by himself." He can't decide between the stairs and the elevator because of the overweight woman. The elevator portrays the big woman, while the stairs reflect his father's frailty.
(This is a simple answer if you like, and addresses all questions on Page 4 of 4)
