How do you identify the theme of a story?

Identifying the theme of a story involves examining the underlying messages and motifs that convey the author’s insights about life, society, or human nature. Themes are often universal truths that resonate beyond the plot and characters, serving as the foundation for the narrative's deeper meanings.

By focusing on the various motifs used throughout the story—such as recurring symbols, phrases, or ideas—and reflecting on how these elements contribute to the overall message, readers can uncover what the author intends to communicate. This analysis can reveal connections among different characters and events, offering a more profound understanding of the central ideas present in the narrative.

While other options may touch upon aspects that can inform one's reading of a story, they do not directly lead to the identification of the theme in as comprehensive a manner as examining the underlying messages and motifs does.