Question

Why would authors choose to have readers infer stories' themes? Why don't all authors just come out and state the theme like they do in fables?

Answer 1

In my opinion, I think it's good that the authors make the reader infer the theme of a story. Each reader is different and may have a different view of the story than other readers would. And also, having young readers infer story themes can help expand the reader's imagination and thinking ability, rather than if the author just TOLD the theme of the story, then the young reader wouldn't be able to hypothesize and use their imagination while reading.

So in conclusion, having the readers infer the theme, helps the reader to come up with the big ideas themselves, using their imagination--making reading more enjoyable and fun.

Answer 2

It allows authors to really make use of their upper hand in getting readers to engage and fully digest their stories by coming up with a conclusion on a story’s theme. A theme is an essential part in stories in which it can be applied and reflected on— when readers discover this by inferring, they can easily consume the theme and make use of what the author is trying to reach: an audience to share the author’s theme that rooted from the author’s personal associations.