Final answer:
The theme is the main idea or central message of a literary work. It is the underlying message that the author wants to convey to the reader.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme is the main idea or central message of a literary work. It is the underlying message that the author wants to convey to the reader. In order to determine the theme of a text, you can look for recurring ideas or concepts, examine the relationships between various elements of the text, and consider the feelings evoked throughout the text. For example, in the poem 'We Real Cool' by Gwendolyn Brooks, the theme of companionship and the importance of fitting in as a group rather than developing an individual identity is expressed through the repeated use of the plural 'We' at the end of each line.