Here's a breakdown of how the theme manifests:
* Clash of Cultures: Da-duh represents a traditional, rural lifestyle, rooted in the South and connected to nature. The narrator, however, represents a more modern, urban perspective. This conflict is evident in the narrator's initial discomfort with Da-duh's world and her eventual understanding of its beauty and importance.
* Legacy and Memory: Da-duh's death forces the narrator to confront her own identity and heritage. She learns about her family history and begins to understand the weight of Da-duh's life and the lessons she has passed on. The story highlights the importance of preserving memory and honoring the past.
* Finding Identity: Through her journey, the narrator comes to appreciate the value of both the modern and the traditional. She recognizes the importance of her own identity and her connection to both her grandmother and her own generation.
* Loss and Acceptance: Da-duh's death prompts the narrator to grapple with loss and grief. The story also reflects on the process of acceptance and the realization that death is a natural part of life.
While the story focuses on the narrator's individual journey, it also reflects broader societal tensions between tradition and modernity, rural and urban life, and the complexities of family relationships.