How does the central idea of a story differ from its theme?

The central idea of a story refers to the main concept, message, or purpose that the author wants to convey to the reader. It can be thought of as the core focus or driving force behind the story. The central idea is often a specific statement or belief that the author wants to explore or communicate through the narrative.

On the other hand, the theme of a story is the broader, more abstract message or meaning that the reader takes away from the story. It is a universal concept or recurring idea that can be applied to various contexts or situations. Themes are often more general and open to interpretation, allowing readers to derive their own understanding and relevance from the story.

In summary, the central idea is the main concept or message that the author wants to convey directly to the reader, while the theme is the broader, more abstract concept or message that readers derive from the story through their own interpretation and reflection.