Final answer:
In the story 'Invisible Thread,' the emphasis on friendship is vividly portrayed through the metaphors of fabric and thread, symbolizing the connections between individuals. The storyline explores the complexities of developing and maintaining friendships, particularly through the changing dynamics of the characters Twyla and Roberta.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Invisible Thread story, the emphasis on friendship is more apparent through the symbol of fabric and thread, which are repeatedly used to illustrate the connection between people. For instance, when the author expresses that 'my many colors of thread hold the layers of fabric and batting together,' it implies that just as thread binds fabric, shared experiences and emotions bind friends. Additionally, the metaphor of a lost sweater symbolizes the enduring impact of friendships, even with individuals who are no longer in our lives, exemplified by the sentiment 'That swath of ultramarine had hung like a spirit friendship with a woman I never knew.'
Moreover, the contrast between Twyla and Roberta's inseparable bond in childhood to their diverged paths later in life highlights the complexity and evolving nature of friendships, and how they can be affected by personal growth and societal influences. It's an exploration of incidents and external circumstances that come between individuals who once shared a deep bond, questioning why some friendships stand the test of time while others do not.