Her eyes were blue with age?

2. Apart from the story's major theme, can you isolate minor themes that help give the story richness and depth? List as many as you can.

I CAN, in fact, isolate minor themes. Although I ought to admit that I do not know what the major theme is, so that might slip in there as well.

In paragraph fourteen, Phoenix says "I wasn't as old as I thought," which creates several possible themes:

- One is capable of anything when one puts one's mind to it. One one one.

- Live life to its fullest. (Or if you're Tim McGraw, live like you were dyin'.)

- You're only as old as you feel.

Then, in paragraph fifty-four, I noted a theme of "What do you do when no one is watching?" Also, age is wisdom. Sometimes.

Also, in paragraph sixty-two, it says "In the paved city, it was Christmas time." That implies that it's only Christmas time for those who are well-off, so I thought there might be a theme of the difficulties of the underprivileged.

Then, in paragraphs sixty-five through sixty-seven, there's some sentiment toward the importance of respect for elders.

And when in paragraph seventy-eight, the medical workers assume Phoenix has come for medical attention for herself, the theme "Don't judge a book by its cover" appears.

Also, after that, the actual nurse arrives and informs her that she can have the medicine as long as she comes for it, and then she gives her a nickel. This is sort of a "Be kind to your neighbor" theme, with a sprinkling of Christmas spirit.

Aaaaand finally, in paragraph one-oh-four, Phoenix informs her audience that she's going to also go fetch a little paper windmill. If that's not dedication/love, I don't know what is.

Country music. Oi vey.