What is the theme of excerpt from a daughter of the sea

The excerpt gives us these:

They valued perseverance, bravery, and strength. 

They believed the gods were active in people’s lives.

The theme of the excerpt is overcoming obstacles and difficulties. The author establishes the need to be brave and courageous despite sadness and despair. At the beginning of the fragment the author states the challenging and painful situation the group has to face as well as the slight chances of survival of the pilot whale. This description makes them feel frustrated and sad about the apparent inevitable consequences. Despite this, as the passages continue, Mr. Manning encourages the group to stay calm, to be positive and work hard to overcome this appalling situation.

not concrete, existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence

a, overstatement is the answer