We can say that a thematic question is one that calls for a belief, opinion, or statement of worldview. Recall that generally theme is an exploration of the best way to live. It might also be an exploration of what is right and what is wrong. Here are a few inherently thematic questions: What's wrong with the world?
As a literary device, theme refers to the central, deeper meaning of a written work. Writers typically will convey the theme of their work, and allow the reader to perceive and interpret it, rather than overtly or directly state the theme. As readers infer, reflect, and analyze a literary theme, they develop a greater understanding of the work itself and can apply this understanding beyond the literary work as a means of grasping a better sense of the world. Theme is often what creates a memorable and significant experience of a literary work for the reader
Themes are often subject to the reader’s perception and interpretation. This means that readers may find primary and/or secondary themes in a work of literature that the author didn’t intend to convey. Therefore, theme allows for literature to remain meaningful, “living” works that can be revisited and analyzed in perpetuity by many readers at once or by a single reader across time.
This shows that the Grandfather is very fond of nature or very fearful (a character trait of his), and that he is teaching his grandson to carry on this trait of "respecting" nature. It is not a theme, for it does not have enough information or is not the central topic within the writing.
