Why is this statement considered a theme and not a plot summary

Which statement expresses a theme that is found in both "escape" and "to live"? the search for self–awareness is often a difficult one. life's distractions can make it difficult to know yourself. a person often sees herself differently than others see her. being a part of two cultures can make it hard to know yourself.

Nature is a recurring theme in early american literature. what view of nature does phillis wheatley provide in "an hymn to the evening"

What 3 topics are considering for demonstration speech?