Which of the following questions might help you identify the theme of a plece of fiction?
What types of literary devices are used?
Where is the story set?
How did the conflict(s) resolve, if at all?
Who is the main character?

The second question would be the best to help identify the theme. For example, if a story is set in the 1800's, and the main character is a woman, you must think about how women were treated back in those days, and how little rights they had. Put yourself in their mindset. If the woman is black, the main theme of the story may deal with slavery or the unjust treatment they had to deal with back then (good vs. evil, power & corruption, etc.)

some of beowulf's most important traits as an epic hero include bravery, loyalty, honor, superhuman physical strength, and the willingness to risk his life for the greater good. these characteristics are exemplified in beowulf's epic deeds, including slaying grendel and grendel's mother.

explanation:

i read about it

cabeza de vaca was an spanish explorer and n his long exploration of 11,000.km. from florida to present-day mexico, he went through a series of calamities and setbacks that only added to his deeds. he applied his religious creed with the humanist idea, always current and universal, that all men were equal before god and destiny without any discrimination. as an explorer, he became a slave to the tipinoga, then his shaman pointer, later and after an operation of heart to an indian (from which both came alive) he achieved stardom and became a hero followed by a crowd that professed unusual respect and admiration.