Which of the following best describes a selection's theme?

The theme of a selection refers to the underlying message or insight about life that emerges from the narrative, characters, and events. It is a broader concept that encompasses the author's observations about human nature, society, or various experiences. By exploring themes, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the work as it relates to real-world situations and can reflect on their own lives in relation to these universal messages.

In literary analysis, identifying the theme involves looking beyond the plot or the surface-level events and considering what the author is trying to convey through the characters' journeys and conflicts. This can include moral lessons, philosophical reflections, or emotional truths.

While the central point and central idea could relate to specific aspects of a text, they do not fully capture the richness of a theme, which is often more complex and multifaceted. A summary, on the other hand, focuses on recounting the main events of the story without delving into the deeper meanings and implications related to life or human experiences.