Final answer:
The theme of a story is the underlying message or idea that the author aims to communicate. This theme, often relating to areas such as human nature or society, is developed through elements like characters, setting, and conflict, and is designed to prompt thought and engagement from the audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct answer to your question is that the theme of a story is the underlying message that the author wants to convey. It might be something about human nature, society, or life in general. Themes are often suggested and developed through various story elements like characters, setting, and conflict.
The theme is a significant element of a story. It's like the backbone that holds all the narrative elements together. For instance, in the classical tragedy Romeo and Juliet, the theme is the destructive potential of love, while in MacBeth the theme is the perils of unchecked ambition. Sometimes, the theme can be quite clear as in the case of Mark Twain's anecdote where he explicitly states the theme: you should rely on your knowledge and training rather than fear. However, often authors are more subtle, requiring readers to make inferences based on details in the text.
A well-developed theme lends literature its significance, prompting the audience to think about the broader implications of the story. Remember, identifying the theme isn't just about stating what the story is about, it involves understanding what the story is trying to teach or suggest about that subject matter.
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