Final answer:
Interpreting the theme of a short story involves literary criticism, which analyzes the elements of a literary work to understand its deeper meaning and message.
Step-by-step explanation:
When interpreting the theme of a short story, you are engaging in literary criticism. Literary criticism involves analyzing the various elements of a literary work, such as its plot, characters, and symbols, to understand the deeper meaning and message conveyed by the author. It requires careful reading and examination of the text, considering different perspectives and interpretations.
Learn more about theme interpretation