Final answer:
The expression 'a gorilla who lives at a mall' could be considered both a topic and potentially a theme. It is a topic because it is the subject of the narrative and could be a theme if it has an underlying message about the humanization of animals or similar concepts in the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to identifying whether "a gorilla who lives at a mall" is a theme or a topic. In literature, the theme is the underlying message or the main idea that is conveyed through a story. It often reflects on the human condition, society, or life in a manner that applies to a broad audience. The topic, on the other hand, is simply the subject of the story or what the story is about.
Considering the provided references that discuss themes in literature and the use of gorillas to represent thinking, feeling, and problem-solving behaviors, it is clear that the question is asking you to differentiate between these two terms and decide which one better describes "a gorilla who lives at a mall". In this case, it can be considered both a topic, as it is the subject of the narrative, and potentially a theme if the narrative delves into deeper messages or lessons about, for instance, the humanization of animals, nature vs. civilization, or animal intelligence.