What does the term "theme" refer to in a text?

The term "theme" in a text specifically refers to the underlying message or lesson that is conveyed through the narrative. It encompasses the central ideas and concepts that the author wishes to communicate to the reader, often reflecting on universal human experiences or moral lessons. Themes may explore topics such as love, conflict, identity, or societal issues, and they often emerge through the plot, characters, and events of the story.

While other elements like tone, characters, and setting contribute significantly to the overall experience of the narrative, they do not encapsulate the broader, more abstract insights that the theme represents. The tone sets the mood, the main character's journey showcases character development, and the setting provides the backdrop for the events; none of these aspects directly address the fundamental ideas that theme encompasses.