Gist

A resting place.

The main point, as of a question; the point on which an action rests; the pith of a matter; as, the gist of a question.

the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience; "the gist of the prosecutor's argument"; "the heart and soul of the Republican Party"; "the nub of the story"

the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work