In literature, what purpose does a theme serve?

A theme serves as the underlying message or insight that a work of literature seeks to communicate. It captures the essential ideas that the author wishes to share with the reader, often reflecting on broader social, moral, or philosophical issues. Themes can guide the reader's understanding of the narrative and shape their emotional response to the characters and events.

In the context of literature, a theme is not merely an inconsequential detail; instead, it encapsulates the work's meaning and significance. While establishing the world of the story is important for setting the scene and context, it does not encapsulate the deeper messages conveyed through the narrative. Similarly, while character weaknesses may contribute to character development and conflict, they alone do not represent the central tenets or messages of the work.