The Journey of the Clay: An Allegory of Self-Transformation

What universal theme does the short story convey?

Universal theme:

The short story serves as an allegory reflecting the process of self-growth and self-realization. Symbolism is rich with the clay, the blade, wheel, the oven, and the flowerpot symbolizing naive ambition, life's challenges, transformation process, trials, and ultimate humble but significant service respectively. The unexpected outcome emphasizes the universal theme of individual transformation.

Explanation:

The handful of clay illustrates the universal notion that even the most bleak circumstances may contain beauty. The clay sensed itself being taken one day from the location where it had waited for so long. It was raised by an iron flat blade that passed beneath it, put into a waggon with other chunks of clay, and driven, it appeared, across a hard and gravel road to someplace far away. However, it was not discouraged nor fearful since it told itself: "This is essential. The road to success is always difficult. I am now headed toward playing a significant role in the world."

The hardship that followed, however, was nothing compared to the difficult trek. The clay was placed in a trough and thoroughly mixed, beat, swirled, and trodden. It was almost intolerable.