Which statement best differentiates the main idea from the theme in a literary text?

• A. Main idea is the central point of a passage; theme is the underlying message about life or humanity; the main idea is explicit; theme is often implicit.
• B. Main idea and theme are the same.
• C. Theme is the central point; main idea is implied.
• D. Main idea is about life; theme is about plot.

Answer: (A)