Theme

Theme A theme is a sort of “life-lesson”  a generalization about life implied in a work which can be supported (proven) by specific details in that work.

PLOT vs. SUBJECTS/ISSUES vs. THEMES what actually happens SUBJECTS/ISSUES  what it is about The issues or subjects of a story can be expressed in a word or phrase (grief, love, betrayal, war, revenge etc.) THEMES  the ideas implied about the subjects/issues A real theme statement always implies an attitude toward that subject and must be expressed in a complete sentence.

EXAMPLE: “Titanic” PLOT  What actually happens A young woman is about to be trapped in a loveless marriage to a wealthy young man. She loses him and the working-class lover she meets on board the famous ship, who prevents her suicide, in the sinking of the ship. She survives.

EXAMPLE: “Titanic” SUBJECTS/ISSUES  what it is about love death and grief the class system

EXAMPLE: “Titanic” THEMES  the ideas implied about the subjects Class differences should not be a barrier to love. Love grows when it encounters obstacles or challenges. Love endures beyond death.

Notice that “love” itself is NOT a theme; it’s only a subject Notice that “love” itself is NOT a theme; it’s only a subject. It becomes a theme when you decide what the “message” or idea ABOUT love is.

Theme Rules - #1 Themes must be stated as a single sentence expressing a point about a topic. Themes are not simply topics (ie. war children). Themes must express the point the author is making about a particular topic.

Theme Rules - #2 Themes must be stated as fact; avoid questions or “maybe” statements.

Theme Rules - #3 Themes must include a judgment about something. Theme statements must answer the question “What does the author think is good or bad about the world/the situation/certain people etc.?”

Theme Rules - #4 Themes must be a debatable point (a statement with which the reader either can meaningfully agree or disagree).

Theme Rules - #5 Themes must be supported by moments gathered from several points along the plotline. Imagine a stool supported by three legs, two of which are very close together. This would be a pretty wobbly stool. Similarly, if you choose two specific moments from the literature that are very close together or are too similar, your support is also wobbly. Avoid the wobbly stool argument!

Theme Rules - #6 Themes must be important enough to justify the author sitting his/her butt down in a chair for months or years in order to communicate this message to the public.

Theme Rules - #7 Themes must be specific to the writing but not so specific that they can’t apply to the lives of most readers. Themes must also be universal in nature but not so universal that they are meaningless or vague. ___________ X Specific Vague