What term is used to describe a story's underlying message or theme?

The term "subtext" accurately describes a story's underlying message or theme. Subtext refers to the meanings that lie beneath the surface of the text, which can include themes, ideas, and messages that are not explicitly stated but are instead implied or suggested through the narrative, dialogue, and character interactions. It engages readers by prompting them to dig deeper into the work and uncover the layers of meaning that contribute to the overall interpretation.

While denotation involves the literal meaning of a word, context refers to the circumstances or background information surrounding a scene or text that can influence interpretation. Texture, on the other hand, relates to the richness and complexity of the language and style within the text. None of these terms encapsulate the concept of an underlying theme as effectively as subtext does.