What is the message or lesson the author wants readers to take away from the story?

What is the message or lesson the author wants readers to take away from the story?

• A. Theme
• B. Plot
• C. Setting
• D. Characterization

Answer: (A)

Theme is the message or lesson the author wants readers to take away. It’s the underlying idea about life, society, or human nature that the story explores beyond the surface events. This differs from the plot, which is the sequence of actions; the setting, which is where and when the story happens; and characterization, which is how the characters are drawn. To identify theme, look for ideas that recur across events, the consequences of the characters’ choices, and what the story seems to suggest about life or people. For example, a tale in which a character sacrifices for others often points to a theme about the value of selflessness. In this item, the prompt is asking for that overarching message readers should take away, so the best answer is theme.

Theme is the message or lesson the author wants readers to take away. It’s the underlying idea about life, society, or human nature that the story explores beyond the surface events. This differs from the plot, which is the sequence of actions; the setting, which is where and when the story happens; and characterization, which is how the characters are drawn. To identify theme, look for ideas that recur across events, the consequences of the characters’ choices, and what the story seems to suggest about life or people. For example, a tale in which a character sacrifices for others often points to a theme about the value of selflessness. In this item, the prompt is asking for that overarching message readers should take away, so the best answer is theme.