How do you identify a text's main theme?

Identifying a text's main theme involves looking for recurring ideas or messages throughout the work. Themes are often expressed through various literary elements such as motifs, symbols, and the actions of characters, and they tend to emerge through the interactions and conflicts presented in the narrative. When analyzing a text, one should pay attention to patterns or significant ideas that are highlighted multiple times or that resonate throughout the storyline; these often reveal the deeper meanings or messages the author wishes to convey.

The other choices, while they may offer valuable insights about a text, do not directly lead to a comprehensive understanding of its main theme. Analyzing the author's biography might provide context for the writing but not necessarily clarify the central theme itself. Focusing solely on character development can reveal important aspects of the narrative but might overlook broader messages. Similarly, examining the setting can enrich the understanding of the characters and plot but does not inherently identify the theme throughout the text. In contrast, understanding recurring ideas and messages effectively encapsulates the essence of the theme, making it the strongest choice for identifying a text's main theme.