89 Theme A theme is a major idea broad enough to cover the entire length of a literary work AND broad enough to apply to anyone’s life anywhere at anytime. It may be stated directly or implied throughout the story or poem. One can also think of it as the lesson or moral of the literary work. Too many people confuse the subject or main idea of a story as the theme. For example, in Monster, people may say that the theme is hope. One word CANNOT be the theme. However, ask yourself, “What is the work trying to teach me about ___________?” Tips to figure out theme: Figure out the subject or main idea of a work. Ask yourself, “what is the author trying to teach me about _________?” Now, combine these two and make it into a lesson that anyone could apply to their lives anywhere and at anytime.