1. The fragility of life and the reality of death: The story deals directly with the physical and emotional toll of death. The main character, the doctor, is forced to confront his own mortality and the ultimate futility of life.
2. The impact of loss and grief: The doctor's emotional response to the young woman's death reveals the profound impact of loss and grief. He struggles to reconcile his rational, scientific understanding of death with the emotional devastation it brings.
3. The importance of human connection: The story highlights the power of human connection and empathy, even in the face of death. The doctor's feelings for the young woman, and his desire to understand her life, transcend the clinical nature of his profession.
4. The limitations of science: Despite his scientific training, the doctor is ultimately unable to fully understand the mystery of death. The autopsy, meant to provide a definitive answer, leaves him with more questions than answers.
5. The search for meaning in life: The story implicitly raises questions about the meaning and purpose of life. The doctor's struggle to find meaning in the young woman's death reflects a broader human desire to understand the nature of existence.
Ultimately, "Autopsy" is a powerful story that invites readers to contemplate the fundamental questions of life and death. It doesn't offer easy answers, but rather presents the complexities and uncertainties of human existence in a poignant and thought-provoking way.