* Her passionate love for music: The story centers around Aunt Georgiana's overwhelming reaction to the Wagner opera, highlighting her deep appreciation for beauty and art. This love, though seemingly dormant for years, remains the core of her being.
* Her resilience and strength: Despite enduring years of hardship and isolation on the Nebraska prairie, Aunt Georgiana has retained her spirit and her capacity for intense emotional experience. Her return to music after a long period of silence demonstrates her inner strength.
* Her enduring connection to her past: The story emphasizes the power of memory and how it shapes our lives. Aunt Georgiana's experience at the opera reawakens her past self, reminding her of the beauty and richness of her early life.
* Her inherent dignity and grace: Even though she has lived a simple life, Aunt Georgiana retains a sense of dignity and grace. She is a woman who has aged with strength and resilience, facing life's challenges with composure.
The story ultimately celebrates Aunt Georgiana's love for music and the profound impact it has on her life. It suggests that true beauty and fulfillment are not just about external circumstances but about the inner spirit and the power of art to touch our souls.