The document discusses the concept of theme in fiction. It states that theme is the author's view of life or human nature communicated through the story rather than directly. Readers must analyze characters, events, and settings to infer the theme themselves. Effective themes connect with readers by addressing underlying human truths despite different experiences. When identifying themes, it is important to look for patterns, symbols, allusions, and deeper meanings in details and consider how theme, plot, and structure influence each other. The identified theme also does not fully explain the story but is one element of the whole. The document then prompts discussion of possible themes in the poem "To a Mouse" regarding comments on community and society or revelations of universal themes about the nature