Which term describes the overall message or lesson conveyed in a work of literature?

The term that describes the overall message or lesson conveyed in a work of literature is "theme." The theme represents the underlying ideas or central insights that the author expresses through the narrative, characters, and events. It can address universal concepts such as love, conflict, nature, morality, or society, prompting readers to reflect on these ideas in a broader context.

For example, in a story that explores the consequences of greed, the theme might be about the importance of valuing relationships over material wealth. This overarching message helps readers connect with the text on a deeper level and often reflects the author's commentary on the human experience.

Factors like mood, allegory, and metaphor serve different purposes in literature. Mood refers to the emotional atmosphere created for the reader; allegory involves a narrative that symbolizes deeper meanings beyond the literal interpretation; and metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between unrelated things. While all these aspects contribute to the richness of a literary work, they do not encapsulate the overall message in the way that theme does.