Although theme and characterization develop more fully in fiction, they exist in biography as well. Frequently more subtle, biographical themes are inherent in a person's life story. Mary Cassatt's ambition to be a fine painter guides her early life, and her determination to achieve that ambition dominates her later years.

At the beginning of the biography, Mary celebrates her sixteenth birthday.

She has dabbled in painting for several years and realizes that, despite her talent, she has advanced about as far as possible without formal instruction. She wants to study in Paris, where on a family trip she has seen the Louvre and the many art students working there.

After waiting and planning for her birthday, she asks her father's permission for this undertaking. Bringing up the subject at the dinner table, Mary exhibits a great deal of courage, especially when her determination does...