How does understanding the main characters help you make predictions about the theme of a novel?

Whats the importance of gaining a general understanding of and interpretation of the work of literature. explain what the importance is to me

Whiat is the best example of a story's historical content?

This excerpt from mrs. dalloway reveals the state of mind of septimus warren smith, a war veteran with a outlook on the world. the last two sentences also illustrate , which is a common characteristic of modernist literature.