Which term refers to the main subject or underlying topic addressed in a piece of writing?

The term that refers to the main subject or underlying topic addressed in a piece of writing is "theme." Theme encompasses the central ideas or messages that the author wants to convey, often reflecting on broader human experiences or moral questions. It serves as an overarching concept that can be explored through various elements of a narrative, including characters, plot, and setting.

In a literary work, identifying the theme involves looking beyond the specific events and characters to understand the deeper significance or insights being presented. Themes can be complex and multifaceted, often requiring analysis to fully appreciate their implications.

While "thesis" refers specifically to the statement or proposition that a writer intends to prove or argue in a piece of writing, and "topic" is usually more limited, indicating the subject matter at hand, the "theme" captures the essence of what the text communicates about that subject. "Motif," on the other hand, is a recurring element or pattern within a story that contributes to the development of the theme but is not the main idea itself.