Final answer:
An author's theme is the central message of a text, connecting plot, characters, and conflicts to a broader idea that provides insight into the author's message to readers. The correct answer is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
An author's thesis ties into the overall message of a text and proposes a point or truth that needs support. In the context of literature, however, what closely aligns with the overall message of a text is typically referred to as the theme. The theme of a story is its unifying idea, which connects the plot points, conflicts, and characters to a broader concept, often conveying a broad statement about humanity, life, or our universe.
In basic analysis, identifying the theme is crucial as it underpins the narrative and provides insight into the author's intended message to readers. A well-crafted theme explores universal concepts, and while it is revealed gradually through various elements of a story, such as plot and setting, it ultimately emerges through the experiences and developments of the characters.
To analyze the theme effectively, it's important to understand its relationship with other story elements. For instance, the setting can offer a backdrop that highlights the theme, the plot can be seen as a vehicle that drives the main idea forward, and the characters often personify the various aspects of the theme. Thus, when writing about a story's meaning—or its theme—you are engaging with the core of what the literature is trying to communicate.