ThemeTheme

Definition of themeElements of ThemeWhat theme Isn’tHow to “find” themes

Theme DefinedTheme Defined

A central idea or “truth” that a work of literature expresses.

A comment that a work of literature makes on the human condition.

Theme Versus SubjectTheme Versus Subject

Subject: what a work is about. It can usually be expressed in one word. For example, “Love” is a subject of Romeo and Juliet

Theme: What does the work say about the subject? It should be a complete sentence or statement. For example, “In Romeo and Juliet, we learn that adolescent romance can be a stronger force than family ties.”

Theme must go beyond the bookTheme must go beyond the book

To be a true theme, the truth or comment must apply to people or to life in general, not just the characters in the book. For example, “In Beauty and the Beast, Belle learns that true beauty comes from within,” only applies to the story. Instead, express the theme like this: “In Beauty and the Beast, we learn through Belle and the beast that true beauty comes from within.”

Multiple themes are possible!Multiple themes are possible!

Many books have more than one theme, so do not think that there is one “right” theme to any book you read. In fact, most great literature has multiple themes.

Themes must be supported!Themes must be supported!

Just because works can have multiple themes, it does not mean that the theme can be anything that you want.

In order for a theme to be justified, there must be specific, concrete evidence from the text. For example, if your potential theme statement is that “Poverty creates tough, self-reliant people,” then the book should contain examples of poor characters who develop toughness and self-reliance.

A topic◦ love, war, honesty

A moral◦Having a child out of wedlock is a sin!

Expressed in a single word.◦See above

Theme is NOT Theme is NOT

Finding the themeFinding the theme

Asking questionsWhat is the subject?What does the book say, or teach us, about the subject?

How does the work communicate the theme? In other words, what specific details, characters, actions, incidents, etc, suggest the truth of the theme statement?