In literature, what is a subject?
a. an idea about the work
b. a perspective on the work
c. a topic of the particular work
d. a statement about the work

The answer is C: a topic of the particular work.

The subject in any literature text is the main topic that the text elaborates throughout its pages. It can be an abstract idea or a concept, like love or justice, and it works as the foundation for the events that mold the characters in the story. It should not be confused with the theme of a story, this latter one is based on the subject, but it reflects the author´s conception or interpretation of the subject. For example, if “love” is the subject of a novel, “love conquers all” would be a possible theme for that novel.