What is the theme of a story?

The theme of a story is its central idea or underlying message - what the story is really about beyond just the plot. Here's how to understand it:

Theme vs. Plot: - Plot is what happens in the story - Theme is what the story means or what it reveals about life

Common themes in literature: - Love conquers all - Good vs. evil - Coming of age - Power corrupts - The importance of family

How to identify theme: 1. Look for repeated ideas or symbols 2. Consider what the characters learn 3. Analyze the story's title and key scenes 4. Think about how the conflict is resolved

Example: In "Harry Potter," the plot involves a boy wizard fighting evil, but themes include friendship, courage, and the battle between good and evil.

Themes are usually not directly stated but revealed through the story's events and character development. Different readers might identify slightly different themes in the same story, which is what makes literature discussions so interesting!

Understanding theme helps you appreciate stories on a deeper level and connect them to universal human experiences.