“Selection of detail” refers to the details an author reveals for the purpose of adding to the desired dominant impression of a passage. What might seem like a minor, passing thought may actually be pointing to a significant thematic idea. What thematic idea is being developed in the following exchange between Miss Gates and her student, Henry: An inquiring soul in the middle of the room said, “Why don’t they like the Jews, you reckon, Miss Gates?”

“I don’t know, Henry. They contribute to every society they live in, and most of all, they are a deeply religious people. Hitler’s trying to do away with religion, so maybe he doesn’t like them for that reason.”