What is theme?

• A story’s plot
• The underlying meaning of message in a literary work
• A story’s time and place

The correct answer is: The underlying meaning of message in a literary work.

The correct answer is:

• The underlying meaning or message in a literary work.

The correct answer is: The underlying meaning of message in a literary work.

Explanation:
Theme refers to the central idea or underlying message conveyed in a literary work. It is the broader concept or abstract idea that the author wants to explore or communicate through the story. While a story's plot refers to the sequence of events that occur, and the story's time and place indicate the setting of the narrative, theme goes beyond these elements to capture the deeper meaning or purpose of the work. To identify the theme of a literary work, you need to analyze the characters, their actions, the dialogue, and the overall tone and atmosphere created by the author. By understanding these elements and looking for recurring patterns or motifs, you can uncover the theme of the story.