Essay Questions

What is the main topic in Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed?

The main topic in Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed is accepting your situation no matter the circumstance. Throughout her essays, Strayed tells readers that the best human therapy is accepting your situation in life. All people make mistakes. However, those who succeed accept their failures and use the opportunity to make better choices. Strayed gives several examples of her downfalls and mistakes in life. However, Strayed’s downfalls did not prevent her from achieving her goals. More importantly, Strayed reminds readers that sometimes people fail no matter how good they are in particular fields. However, failure is intended to provide an opportunity for better strategies that lead to bigger success.

How does the author depict age as an important irony in the text?

The biggest irony in Tiny Beautiful Things is that Strayed remains relevant to all her audiences regardless of age. The reader expects Strayed to have a specific target audience who listens to her advice. In contrast, Strayed advises old and young people on coping with life challenges. It is also astonishing that even after Strayed grows old, she understands the issues affecting younger generations. For instance, when writing for The Rumpus, Strayed narrates how she counsels the younger generation. Therefore, it is ironic that age does not limit Strayed from doing what she loves most.

What is the significance of the social-political motif in Tiny Beautiful Things?

The social-political motif is significant in the text because it encourages people to accept change. Strayed says that each person must accept personal and political life issues to move on. While working as a writer, Strayed discovers that societal transformations greatly impact one's life. Most of the letters Strayed wrote while working for Sugar show the importance of accepting change. Those individuals who accept political and social issues can easily accomplish their goals compared to those who live in denial. Consequently, the motif of social-political changes reminds readers of the significance of adapting to current and future trends if they want to succeed.