Final answer:
Theme is a recurring idea or message that unifies a piece of literature or artwork. It is not stated clearly at the end but inferred by analyzing the work's elements. Theme has a universal quality that is relevant across cultures and time periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Theme is a recurring idea or message that runs throughout a piece of literature or artwork, helping to unify it. It is present in various forms of artistic expression, including music, literature, and visual art. However, it is not stated clearly at the end of a piece. Instead, it is often inferred by analyzing the elements and motifs present in the work. Additionally, a characteristic of theme is that it has a universal quality, meaning it explores a concept or idea that is relevant to people across different cultures and time periods.
Learn more about characteristics of theme