Question

How can the theme of a story best be interpreted by the reader

Answer 1

Yea it can
Thats why somebody understand something in a way the other may not ,
Of a same text several meanings can be interpreted by the reader as per his or her imagination ...

Answer 2

The theme of a story can be easily interpreted if you:

-Pay close attention to repeated ideas or words throughout the text.

-Pay attention to the characters' points of view and morals.

-Notice what is the author trying to convey with the events and characters' selection.

-Look forward secret messages or lessons behind the story.

-Understand the difference between plot and theme.

-Look for a deeper meaning behind the plot.