Theme What is Theme Definition of theme the

Theme

What is Theme? Definition of theme: the central idea(s) or message about life revealed by a literary work. Theme is generally implied in a work. Common theme topics are love, war, deceit, revenge, fate, destiny, etc.

Function of Theme is an element of a story that: § binds various essential elements a narrative. § shows a truth that exhibits universality § gives readers better understanding of the main character’s conflicts, experiences, discoveries, and emotions Through themes, a writer tries to give his readers an insight into how the world works, or how he or she views the human experience.

Concept/Topic vs. Theme Statement A thematic statement, however, can be read to be more of an argument about that concept. A theme is a complete sentence on what the literary work is trying to argue/reveal/illustrate about people/life ◦ For example, ◦ Theme / Thematic Concept = Freedom. ◦ Thematic Statement = Freedom should be extended to all citizens of the world.

Finding Theme List the subject or subjects for the work. For each subject, see if you can state a theme in a complete sentence. Put a check next to the ones that seem most important. Explain how the title, subtitle, epigraph, chapter, titles, and names of characters may be related to theme. Describe the work's depiction of human behavior. Describe the work's depiction of society. Explain the representation of social ills and how they might be corrected or addressed. List the moral issues raised by the work. Name the character who is the moral center of the work. List his or her traits that support your choice.

Notice and Note § Stop & Notice – repeated words, phrases, objects, situations mentioned over and over §Ask Why does this keep showing up again and again? §*Answers may tell you about theme, character, conflict, or even foreshadow action.