THE THEME IS A LITERARY
WORK’S PRIMARY PURPOSE
In other words, a THEME is
the central idea of a work of literature.
It is the heart of a text…
THE SIMPLEST EXPLANATION
In slightly simplified terms the theme is like the moral
of the story.
It’s the life-lesson the author wants us, the readers, to
learn
It’s the message or meaning behind the text.
BIGGER THAN ONE STORY
A theme doesn’t just apply to the characters in a story
or the subject of a poem.
Themes are relevant to the real world.
It’s more abstract than that; it’s an idea that can
apply to you, or me, or almost anyone.
Themes are often universal or at the very least
applicable to more than just one fictional world.
FOR
INSTANCE
In the theme here isn’t just that Simba
should go home and rule.
SO HOW DO WE FIND A THEME?
The theme and the subject of a story are not the
same thing. Subjects are often broad and able
to be stated in a single word, like “technology.”
Yet, we can often find a theme by first identifying
a subject.
The theme is the idea the author wishes to
express on that subject.
THEMES = OPINIONS
Examples:
“Family bonds are stronger than the ties of
friendship.”
or
“Technology may make certain aspects of life
simpler but ultimately it can interfere with our
relationships and rob of us of our humanity.”
THEMES = OPINIONS
Themes are not objects (such as love or courage)
but ideas about those subjects.
Love ≠ Theme
Love Stinks = A Theme
P.S.
It’s also best
if your opinion is not too obvious.