Final answer:
The reader can best interpret the theme of a story by analyzing details that suggest a universal truth. Developing a personal opinion or imagining what happens next may not lead to a deeper understanding of the theme.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reader can best interpret the theme of a story by focusing on details from the story that suggest a universal truth. These details can include recurring symbols, repeated motifs, or the actions and beliefs of the characters. By analyzing these elements, the reader can gain insight into the author's intended message or central idea.
For example, in the story 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, the theme of empathy and understanding can be inferred through the repeated symbol of the mockingbird and Atticus Finch's teachings about compassion and justice.
Developing a personal opinion about the story or imagining what happens to the characters next may help enhance the reader's engagement, but it may not necessarily lead to a deeper understanding of the theme.
Learn more about interpreting the theme of a story