A story’s theme is an underlying message that is communicated (sometimes it could be a moral) in story, poem, novel, or play. That said, let’s look at the options provided to help you in the future determine what may and may not be considered theme.
SOMETIMES SEEMINGLY BAD PEOPLE WILL SURPRISE YOU BY RISING TO THE OCCASION. Does this seem like a message to readers? Yes, thus, this could be considered a theme.
THIS CHARACTER IS SHY, YET UNFAILINGLY BOLD. Does this seem like a message to readers? No, this seems more like a character description. Thus, this would not be considered a theme.
THIS EPIC POEM TAKES PLACE IN ANCIENT GREECE. Does this seem like a message to readers? No, this seems to be describing the setting. Thus, this would not be considered a theme.
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE FOR HEARTBREAK. Does this seem like a message readers? Yes, thus, this could be considered a theme.
DIFFERENT INTERPRETATIONS OF THE PLAY RESULT IN THE ACTION BEING SET AT VARYING TIME PERIODS. Does this seem like a message to readers? No, this seems more like analysis or criticism. Thus, this would not be considered a theme.
BELIEF IN NOTHING IS ALSO A KIND OF FAITH. Does this seem like a message to readers? Yes, thus, this could be considered a theme.
SUPERMAN AND BATMAN AREN’T SURE WHAT TO THINK OF ONE ANOTHER AT FIRST. Does this seem like a message to readers? No, this seems more like a description of a portion of plot. Thus, this would not be considered a theme.
THE SEQUEL WILL BE ABOUT SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT. Does this seem like a message to readers? While this kind of does seem like a message to readers, it appear s to be a prediction for the plot of an ensuing piece of literature, not a message that can be construed based upon the content of a current text. Thus, this would not be considered a theme.