5. The crucial question: The central idea is the story's main idea, the author's

intention, or the message. It differs from the plot, which simply reveals the

events as they unfold.

• With that in mind, what, in your opinion, is the central idea of the story?

What statement do you think the author was trying to make?

What might she have been trying to show?

What is the most important idea? It's like she's telling us the key to a happy

and fulfilling life.

Write a paragraph in which you discuss your answer.