What is the difference between a theme and a main idea?

What is the difference between a theme and a main idea?

• A. The main idea is the central point of a text; a theme is the underlying message or lesson.
• B. The main idea is always a life lesson; a theme is the plot.
• C. The theme is the main plot; the main idea is who the characters are.
• D. The main idea and theme are the same thing.

Answer: (A)