Final answer:
A theme is the message or central idea that the writer is trying to convey through a text. It is not the events that happen in a story, but rather the underlying meaning or lesson that the author wants the reader to take away.
Step-by-step explanation:
A theme is the message or central idea that the writer is trying to convey through a text. It is not the events that happen in a story, but rather the underlying meaning or lesson that the author wants the reader to take away. A theme can be expressed as a perspective or opinion that the author has on a topic, and it can also be similar to a fable's moral but more complex.
For example, in the story of 'The Tortoise and the Hare,' the theme could be 'perseverance pays off.' This theme is not explicitly stated in the story, but it is the message that the author wants readers to understand based on the events and actions of the characters.
Themes can also involve universal issues that are considered important in society, such as love, friendship, justice, or the meaning of life. These are issues that resonate with readers across different cultures and time periods.
Learn more about Theme in literature