The theme of a story refers to its __________?

The theme of a story refers to its central idea or underlying message. It represents the fundamental beliefs, concepts, or insights that are conveyed through the narrative. Themes can explore a wide range of human experiences and moral questions, such as love, conflict, identity, loss, and the struggle for power. Often, they reflect the author’s perspective on life and can be viewed differently by each reader based on their own experiences and interpretations. Themes are not always explicitly stated; they can be woven subtly throughout the plot, character developments, and conflicts, prompting readers to think critically about the deeper meanings behind the story.