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

To discover the theme in a poem or work of fiction, you must first find the underlying message or moral lesson that the author is trying to convey. This often involves examining the characters, plot, and symbols within the text to identify recurring ideas or motifs that contribute to the overall theme. Additionally, considering the author's purpose and the historical or cultural context can help illuminate the central theme of the work.