Question

the ________ of a story can be applied to other works of literature or to life.
setting
plot
theme
characters

Explanation:

• Setting refers to a story's time/place, not transferable broadly.
• Plot is the sequence of events, unique to the story.
• Theme is the universal message/idea that can be applied to other works or real life.
• Characters are the individuals in the story, specific to that narrative.

Answer:

C. theme