What is the message from the story?

The main message in the story is that neither fact nor fancy can be the sole in life. It is only when fact and fancy compliment each other that one can be truly happy. An example of this can be found in Sissy whose life has been filled with fact and fancy by those who've been important in her life. Gradagrind is charges with her education, but her life has also been enriched by her circus "family". As a result, she is the only character in the story that matures into a mature, well-rounded individual. Sissy is happy.