What does "theme" refer to in literary terms?

In literary terms, "theme" refers to the central idea or underlying message of a work. It encapsulates the main concepts that the author wants to convey through the narrative, such as moral lessons, social critique, or existential questions. Themes are often universal ideas that resonate beyond the specific characters or plot of the story, allowing readers to draw connections to their own experiences or broader societal issues.

Understanding the theme enriches the reading experience because it provides insight into the author's purpose and the significance of the events and characters within the narrative. Themes can often be identified through repeated motifs, character development, and resolutions that highlight key ideas.

As for the other options, they refer to elements that contribute to a story's structure and context. The order of events represents the plot, while the physical environment refers to the setting, which provides context but does not convey the overarching messages of the work. The author's background and perspective can influence themes but are not what theme itself directly signifies.