What technique does the author use to tell us about sergei's wishes (e. g. parallel plots, flashbacks, what effect does this have on the development of the story

Which statement is true about the theme of a short story? a. the theme is directly stated in the story. b. the theme is the message the author wants to convey. c. the theme is the purpose of the story. d. the theme is the same as the subject of the story.