Zebra Short Story Theme

After reading the short story Zebra, by Chaim Potok, the theme is don’t decide you don’t like something until you try it. I think this because Zebra loved running and that was his favorite active to do but once that was taken away he started to feel alone and lost, the text says “racing down Franklin Avenue, he had given himself that push and had begun to turn into an eagle, when a huge rushing shadow appeared in his line of vision and crashed into him and plunged him into a darkness from which he emerged very, very slowly. . . .” This shows that his hobby or the one most important thing that he had in his life,running, was taken away from him. Also, the text says “Later, in the schoolyard during the midmorning recess, Zebra stood near the tall fence, looking out at the street and listening to the noises behind him.” This shows that he is feeling lost and alone in this period because he would have been happy and laughing and running. Zebra doesn’t do anything to fix or regain a hobby so he remains lost and confused. Zebra did have a chance to find one but didn’t take it because he thought he wouldn't or

Everyone in the class was looking at him. “You always tell such sad stories,” Andrea said. The bell rang. Mrs. English dismissed the class. In the hallway, Andrea said to Zebra, “You know, you are a very gloomy life form.”’ This shows that he is sad and empty and feels worthless or useless without running or having a hobby. Then, a art class opens up and he starts to become happier and art started to become his new thing that he loved. The text says “ “You are becoming a pleasant life form,” Andrea said.” This shows that if he didn't try art then he could still be feeling empty and hopeless but intend he tried art and was happy with himself. This is why I think that the theme is don't decide you don’t like something until you try