What is the difference between the theme and the author's message of a story?

Question

I am writing an essay and it asks for one of the major themes of the story and the author's message but i don't know the difference between the two... HELP ME!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Following the plot of a short story is fine, but the discerning reader will be able to identify the theme of the story. The theme is the message the writer uses the story to convey to the reader about life in general. Understanding the theme gives the reader an additional level of appreciation for a short story.

More clearly, the message itself may be what the author wants the reader to understand, to make a point about something.

Answer 2

it would help if you wrote what the book or piece is entitled. but i guess the theme is the big picture, the general idea and the author's message is what he wants readers to get from that idea. for example, in say the book twilight, the theme would be finding love or edward's love for bella and the author's message might be, there are more things at work in the universe than we think or love can be surprising, i mean a vampire and a human...good luck

Answer 3

Theme is what the story is saying, it is more in depth and opinionated. The author's message is used as to why the author wrote the story. They often write to teach lessons about life.