When you attempt to interpret the theme of a short story, you are engaging in which activities?

Research

When you attempt to interpret the theme of a short story, you are engaging in which activities?

You're engaging in research since you're trying to identify the implication of the said short story, moreover, you are trying to define, comprehend and analyze the passage, position and message the short story is trying to communicate. Research allows you to delve in such areas in the story to support why a specific thought of idea was brought into.