Theme Formula (defining ‘theme’)
The purpose of theme formula is to explain the ‘meaning’ of a
given story without simply retelling the plot. Theme defining
requires a subject and a predicate. Theme questions differ from
plot questions. The questions what & why are answered. What
follows is the format:
When (define protagonist)
comes in conflict with (define antagonistic forces)
in a situation in which (define the circumstances)
the results may be (define setting, conditions,
outcomes, changes in character,
consequences, etc.).
‘The results’ require the most developed response. Focus on
drawing out as much information as you can and you will have
defined themes of interest. This formula works well for most,
but NOT ALL stories. If the formula does not yield a response
with depth, then either the story is inappropriate, devoid of
meaning, or you have not explored deeply enough.
Principles of a Theme Statement
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A theme statement MUST have a subject and a predicate. A work’s
theme cannot be just a subject (i.e. “mothers and daughters”). It
must say something about the conflict or plot event (i.e. “The
obligations of family often supercede the….”). It is more than one
sentence. Theme statements are often wordy because they attempt
to encapsulate complex ideas succinctly.
It should be stated as a generalization about life. Avoid using
characters’ names or overemphasizing specific events from the
short story/novel as a part of the theme statement. If relevant,
however, limit the setting or scope (i.e. you would use the phrase
“Chinese-American daughters” when writing about The Joy Luck
Club or “late 20th century media-saturated society” for White Noise).
Avoid overgeneralizations; use “often” instead of “always,” “may”
instead of “will,” especially when defining resolutions.
The theme is the central or unifying concept. It must account for
all the major details; it must not be contradicted in the text; it must
never rely on the reader’s suppositions.
Themes may be stated in a variety of ways, and complex works
may have several main themes. Only occasionally is there a direct
quotation that functions as a complete theme statement; it is useful,
however, to use terms or quotations as a part of your theme
statement. The best statements sum up the majority of the work
and address its most prominent conflicts and their resolutions.
Themes are NOT morals; avoid limiting the work to a cliché or
trivializing the depth of the work.