Theme What does it all mean?

theme: Theme is the central message in a work of literature. It is the point of the story, so to speak. It is the idea we can think about and apply to our own lives.

Things to consider… In most cases, the theme is not directly stated but must be inferred. We can figure out the theme by analyzing the story, paying close attention to how the author has crafted his story based on the elements on storytelling like characterization, point of view, tone, symbolism, motif, etc. Our reading of the theme is based on textual evidence, meaning we can support our ideas with examples from the text. QUESTIONS?

Theme vs. Topic A theme is a specific STATEMENT (a complete sentence) about life, society, human nature, or the human condition.

For example: Topic Love Jealously Justice Theme “Love can make us better people.” “Jealously can be very destructive.” “Justice has multiple sides; what is fair to some is unfair for others.”

Theme vs. Moral A theme is an observation about life, society, human nature, or the human condition. A moral is advice on how to live (or not live) you life.

For example: Moral Theme Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. *The above is also an example of a cliché, which you should avoid like the plague. We will further discuss clichés later in the year. Theme People are often quick to judge others based on appearances.

Universal Application A theme must be UNIVERSAL, meaning it is applicable outside of the text.

For example: Not universal Universal In Finding Nemo, the theme is that Marlin learns to just keep swimming. *Actually, there’s a lot going wrong here. Not only is this statement not universal, it is vague and pretty cliché. Universal In Finding Nemo, the theme is that challenges can often bring people closer together.

Why is it important? This is the point of literature! An author’s theme may not always align with your own thoughts and beliefs, but by learning other people’s views we are challenged to reconsider our own opinions. Even if your experience differs from the author’s, the underlying truths of a theme can help us make connections. Theme in literature helps us expand our thoughts and understand different views, which helps us create deeper meanings for ourselves and our own philosophical views.

Just a recap… It is the central message in a work of fiction It is generally not stated directly It is NOT the same as the subject or topic of a work; it is insight about that subject or topic. Think universally!!! IT IS NOT A MORAL!