Belén fell into a diligent rhythm of filling grocery bags with an assortment of fresh vegetables, meat, and dry goods. Later, she took over at the loading station, where she placed bag after bag into cars. Volunteering at the food bank kept Belén's mind off the devastating rejection letter she'd received from the publishing company, and the subsequent despair. It was her third in a month, and she was losing faith in her aspiration to become a famous novelist. At the end of her shift, Belén felt revitalized from helping provide families with nourishing food. She'd never realized that such exuberance and satisfaction could result from something other than writing.

Question

Belén fell into a diligent rhythm of filling grocery bags with an assortment of fresh vegetables, meat, and dry goods. Later, she took over at the loading station, where she placed bag after bag into cars. Volunteering at the food bank kept Belén's mind off the devastating rejection letter she'd received from the publishing company, and the subsequent despair. It was her third in a month, and she was losing faith in her aspiration to become a famous novelist. At the end of her shift, Belén felt revitalized from helping provide families with nourishing food. She'd never realized that such exuberance and satisfaction could result from something other than writing.

How is the theme of the story developed?
Through Belén's disappointment over three rejection letters, the story shows that sometimes one must humbly reconsider one's life goals.

As Belén experiences working at a food bank, the message of focusing on gratitude for everything we have is revealed.

Because Belén is revitalized by the volunteer work, the notion is conveyed that one can find fulfillment in simple, unexpected ways.

Answer 1

Because Belén finds fulfillment and satisfaction from volunteering at the food bank, the theme of the story is developed by showing that one can find fulfillment in simple, unexpected ways.