What is the theme in The Big Wave by Pearl S. Buck?

Amother important theme in The Big Wave is the theme of happiness. This theme recurs throughout the text as Jiya copes with the deaths of his family. In the beginning of the story, Kino and Jiya play together and live happily in their home, despite the dangerous threats presented by the sea and the volcano. Unfortunately, the big wave comes and takes Jiya's family, as well as his happiness. Kino's father warns his son that Jiya will not be happy again until he dares to remember his family, but he assures Kino that Jiya will be happy again someday, though he will not feel like it when he wakes. As Jiya's body heals, his mind and his soul follow suit. He finds enough joy in Setsu's happiness that he returns to their farm instead of becoming the Old Gentleman's son. Kino and his parents are also happy when Jiya returns to the farm, and happiness begins to live in Jiya's heart again as he is welcomed into Kino's family and home.