Literature Notes THEME Literature Notes Theme The theme

Literature Notes THEME

Literature Notes: Theme The theme of a piece of fiction is its view about life and how people behave. In fiction, theme is not intended to teach or preach. In fact, it is not presented directly at all. You extract it from the characters, the action, and the setting all of which make up the story. In other words, you must figure out theme yourself!

Finding the Theme Check out the title. Sometimes it tells you a lot about theme. Notice repeated patterns and symbols. Sometimes, these lead you to theme. Ask yourself what allusions are made throughout the story. Ask yourself what the details and particulars of the story are. What greater meaning may they have? Remember: Theme, plot, and structure are inseparable for they inform and reflect back on each other. Note: What we determine to be theme never completely explains the story. It is simply one of the elements that make up the whole.

Sample Themes Chaos vs. order Loss of innocence Darkness vs. light Evils of racism Fate vs. free will Fear of failure Death Change vs. tradition Dangers of ignorance Convention vs. rebellion Displacement Emptiness of attaining false dreams Love

The Theme Statement A general statement of truth about people, human nature, life, the circumstances of life, etc. expressed by means of or through a story. Theme statements are an observation about life, people, &/or the way the world works. It does not tell people what to do.

Writing a Theme Statement 1. A theme is a general statement of truth. It is not specific. It does not mention characters’ names, parts of the setting, etc. This is NOT a theme statement: Jose felt sorry when he stole something. 2. A theme is not a moral. It does not tell us what to do. Avoid words like “should” or “do” as in telling someone what to do or what not to do. These are NOT theme statements: You should not steal. Do not steal.

Writing a Theme Statement Continued 3. Avoid simplistic statements or statements of existence. These are NOT theme statements: There is a lot of prejudice in the world. People sometimes do wrong things. 4. Avoid the wording is bad or is good. It will not make for a well-written theme statement for the sentence will lack depth. Prejudice is bad! 5. Try to avoid absolute words like “always” and “never”. There are just too many exceptions to the rules.

Remember, a theme statement is… …a general statement of truth about people. …a general statement about human nature. …a general statement about life. …a general statement about the circumstances of life. …an observation about life and people. …expressed by means of or through a story.

Example Theme Statement for The Hunger Games A person’s reason, courage, and strength can reach their full potential when challenged by a hostile environment.