1. Theme Mrs. Green

2. Theme 0 Theme is the main message of a story, the author’s purpose of creating a literary work, the questions: 0 Why am I reading this? 0 Why is it important?

3. Types of Theme 0 There are two types of theme, Stated Theme, and Implied Theme. 0 Stated Theme – where the theme of the story is stated directly in the story, i.e. morals. 0 Implied Theme – the theme must be inferred through context and examples in the story.

4. Difference between a Theme and a Subject 0 It is important not to confuse a theme of a literary work with its subject. Subject is a topic which acts as a foundation for a literary work while a theme is an opinion expressed on the subject. For example, a writer may choose a subject of war for his story and the theme of a story may be writer’s personal opinion that war is a curse for humanity. Usually, it is up to the readers to explore a theme of a literary work by analyzing characters, plot and other literary devices.

5. Presentation of Themes 0 A writer presents themes in a literary work through several ways. A writer may express a theme through the feelings of his main character about the subject he has chosen to write about. Similarly, themes are presented through thoughts and conversations of different characters. Moreover, the experiences of the main character in the course of a literary work give us an idea about its theme. Finally, the actions and events taking place in a narrative are consequential in determining its theme.

6. Function of Theme 0 Theme is an element of a story that binds together various other essential elements of a narrative. It is a truth that exhibits universality and stands true for people of all cultures. Theme gives readers better understanding of the main character’s conflicts, experiences, discoveries and emotions as they are derived from them. Through themes, a writer tries to give his readers an insight into how the world works or how he or she views human life.

7. Example of Stated Theme 0 Aesop and Son Aesop and Son

8. Let’s Practice! 0 Implied Theme

9. Resources 0 Youtube.com 0 Literary Devices, Theme Definition, http://literarydevices.net/theme/