What is the best definition for a theme of a narrative?

Defining a Theme

The theme in a story is its underlying message, or 'big idea. ' In other words, what critical belief about life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short story or poem?It is what the story means. Often, a piece of writing will have more than one theme.

Explanation:

ikk

explanation:

"the sandy walls seemed to collapse in on themselves"

and

"the bloodshot waters seemed to have no bottom"