Final answer:
A theme is a universal idea, lesson, or message conveyed by an author in a literary work. It is demonstrated through the story's elements and can be identified by recurring ideas or motifs.
Step-by-step explanation:
A theme is a universal idea, lesson, or message that an author conveys in a literary work. Authors demonstrate their theme through the story's setting, characters, plot, and the consequences of the story. When determining a theme, it's important to look for recurring ideas or motifs in the story and consider how they contribute to the overall message. For example, in the novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, the theme of injustice is conveyed through the character of Tom Robinson and the racial prejudice he faces.
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