Final answer:
In literature, finding a theme involves asking 'What does it all mean?'. This helps readers understand the deeper implications, lessons, and ideas beyond the literal events in the story, all of which contribute to the work's overall theme.
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature, the question 'What does it all mean?' will often help us get closer to finding a theme in a story. A theme is a fundamental and universal idea explored in a work. It's not just about what happens, but about drawing deeper meanings and conclusions from the events, characters, and settings in a piece. For instance, a theme could be the struggle against systemic injustice, or the enduring power of love.
By asking 'what does it all mean', we're trying to understand not just the literal events, but the larger implications, ideas, or lessons being expressed in the story. Each narrative event or character decision can convey additional meaning beyond its direct, surface-level implications – these are all elements contributing to the overall theme.
Learn more about Finding a Theme