Analyzing Theme

Analyzing Theme Theme is the central idea of the work--whether fiction, poetry, or drama. For many readers, theme is an attractive element because it gives works meaning; it makes them relevant. The theme deals with the four general areas of human experience: the nature of humanity the nature of society the nature of humankind's relationship to the world the nature of our ethical responsibilities

Analyzing Theme Theme vs. Subject Theme is not the same as the subject or topic of a work. The subject is what the work is about. You can state the subject in a word or phrase. (love, death, the nature of truth, coming of age) In contrast, theme is what the work says about the subject. The statement of a work's theme requires a complete sentence an sometimes several sentences. Furthermore, a work's theme must apply to people outside the work. What is the writer’s message to his readers about coming of age? One must endure a pivotal moment in youth in order to understand the difference between perception and reality. Remember that a work can have many subjects and thus more than one theme. This concept is especially true of complex works.

Analyzing Theme Theme is NOT: expressed in a single word the purpose of a work the moral the conflict

Theme Litmus Test Is the theme supported by evidence from the work itself? Are all the author’s choices of plot, character, conflict, and tone controlled by this theme?

Close Readings For close readings, you will use a small section of the text to identify a theme of the work. So basically, you need to walk me through how you understand what the theme is. Interact with the text, almost like you’re in a conversation with it.