1. Theme in Literature
An Introduction

2. Theme is the writer’s message, or underlying idea of the work.
Definition
Theme is the writer’s message, or underlying idea of the work.

3. Characteristics
Most stories, novels, plays, and sometimes poems have more than one theme.
Some works, like many mysteries, might have no theme. They’re just entertainment.
Some themes are easy to spot.
Often you have to be a detective to discover the theme. It’ll be up to you to put the author’s clues together.

4. Theme and Subject
It is important to recognize the difference between the theme of a literary work and the subject of a literary work.
The subject is the topic on which the author has chosen to write.
The theme, however, makes some statement about or expresses some opinion on that topic.

5. Example
The subject of a story might be war, while the theme of that same story might be the idea that war is useless.

6. How do authors express theme?
Through the feelings of the main character
Through thoughts and conversations
Through what the main character learns
Through specific actions or events

7. Three Step Plan
By following three easy steps you will be able to focus on the themes of a story, novel, poem, or even a play!

8. Find the “big ideas” or general topics in the work.
Step 1
Find the “big ideas” or general topics in the work.
unhappiness
violence
patriotism
growing up
love
childhood
death
hate
loyalty
self-improvement
courage
patience
friendship
family
independence
success
identity
Race relations
faith
war
freedom
justice
hope
trust
prejudice
self-reliance
nature

9. Step 2 Repeated words or ideas Symbols
Find out what the characters do and say
that relates to the general topics.
Repeated words or ideas
Symbols
Important plot events or dialogue
Changes in characters

10. Step 3
Come up with a statement of the author’s point
or message about the topic.
Remember a theme is not the same as the topic or subject. A theme is the idea the writer wants to reveal about that topic and must be expressed in a complete sentence.

11. Theme Organizer
Big Idea
You can use a Theme Organizer to help you write about a theme.
What characters do or say
What characters do or say
What characters do or say
What is important to learn

12. Tips for Making Theme Statements
Make a Point
A theme statement needs to be a complete sentence that makes a point.
“The theme is that parents and children need to talk more.”

13. Tips for Making Theme Statements
Avoid Using Vague Words
Be as precise as you can concerning what particular message about life the writer is trying to get across. Steer clear of abstract and general words, such as important, good, or bad.

14. Tips for Making Theme Statements
Avoid Using Character Names
A good theme statement applies to people in general, not just to the specific characters in the story.
Turn from specific:
“Cassie learns that the Logan land is important.”
Into general:
“People should not give up their land without a fight.”

15. What you need to remember about theme!
Summing Up
What you need to remember about theme!
A story’s theme is different from its topic or subject.
The topic is simply what it’s about.
Theme is the author’s point about the topic.

16. What you need to remember about theme!
More Summing Up
What you need to remember about theme!
Follow a three-step plan for
understanding theme.
Find the “big ideas.”
Pay attention to what the characters do and say that relate to the topic.
Write a theme statement.

17. What you need to remember about theme!
Final Summing Up
What you need to remember about theme!
Not all interpretations of a work will be exactly the same.
You may come up with a theme statement that’s different from that of another reader.
That’s fine, so long as you both can support your ideas with evidence from the text.