1. Analyzing Theme

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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?

6. 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.