I think the theme would be "being buried alive."
Answer:
To introduce one source of the settlers' fears
Explanation:
The information about the earlier colony of Sir Walter Raleigh was meant to introduce a factor that must have created doubts and fears in the minds of the new colonists. The settlers sent by Sir Walter Raleigh had disappeared mysteriously.
So, the settlers must have wondered what could have happened to them, and if the circumstances behind their disappearance might have affected them as well. So that was one source of the settlers' fears.
This is based on your opinion about keeping promises to yourself and others...if you need more help let me know
Answer:
Because the birds and animals don't mind Dickon, and he thinks that he wouldn't mind Dickon either.
Explanation: