.

Complete the sentence.

To discover the theme in a poem or work of fiction, you must first find the _____

rhyme pattern.

plot.

main idea.

setting.

main idea.

To discover the theme in a poem or work of fiction, you must first find the main idea.

To discover the theme in a poem or work of fiction, you must first find the main idea.

The theme of a poem or work of fiction refers to the underlying message or central idea that the author is trying to convey. It is often a universal statement about human nature, society, or life in general. The main idea, on the other hand, is the central thought or key concept that the entire poem or work of fiction revolves around. By understanding the main idea, you can then analyze the various elements of the piece, such as characters, plot, setting, and conflict, to determine the theme. So, while elements like rhyme pattern, plot, and setting can contribute to understanding a poem or work of fiction, the main idea is the crucial starting point for discovering the theme.