Analyzing Theme

The theme of a story is a lesson it teaches about life. The theme usually will not be stated outright. You have to infer it from the characters’ actions and words. Ask yourself questions like these.

• What does the main character learn?

  Glenda learns that she should focus on what she can control (how high she climbs) rather than what she can’t (how tall she is).

• How does the main character change?

  Glenda stops being a hanger and becomes a climber. She accepts her height and focuses on things she can do instead.

• How are you changed by reading this story?

  I realize I should accept things I can’t change about myself and focus on what I can do.

• What is the writer trying to say about life? (theme)

  Don’t focus on what you are given, but on what you do with it.