Theme

What is Theme?

The main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work.

A theme may be stated or implied.

Theme differs from the subject or topic of a literary work it involves a statement or

opinion about the topic.

What is a Theme?

A theme is a generalization about life or human nature.

Certain types of experiences are common to all people everywhere.

Universal Themes

come up again and again in literaturedeal with basic human concerns—good

and evil, life and death, love and lossshine a light on our common

experiencescan help guide us through our lives

Major and Minor Themes

A major theme an idea the author returns to

time and againbecomes one of the most

important ideas in the story.Minor themes

ideas that may appear from time to time.

Subject of a Work vs. Its Theme

The subject the topic on which an author has

chosen to write.

The theme makes some statement about or

expresses some opinion on that topic.

For example: Subject: war Theme: war is senseless.

Ways to Express a Theme

Expressed and emphasized by the way the author

makes us feel.

Ways to Express a Theme

Suggested through the characters. The main character

illustrates the most important theme of the story.

ask yourself the question, what does the main character learn in the course of the story? Do they change in some way?

Ways to Express a Theme

CharacterBy sharing feelings of

the main character By sharing the ideas

that go through the main character’s mind.

Ways to Express a Theme

CharacterPresented in thoughts and

conversations. Authors put words in their

character’s mouths only for good reasons. One of these is to develop a story’s themes.

Look for thoughts that are repeated throughout the story.

Ways to Express a Theme

ConflictThe main problem in the storyHow the main character reacts to the conflict

Actions or eventsPeople naturally express ideas and feelings

through their actions. Authors think about what an action will "say". In other words, how will the action express

an idea or theme?

Conflict helps reveal theme.

• What is the conflict, or struggle between opposing forces, that the main character faces?

• How is the conflict resolved?

Two friends find a wallet. One friend wants to return it to the owner; the other wants to keep it.

People are often rewarded for making the right moral decision.

They return the wallet and share a small reward.

Conflict Resolution Theme

Finding the Theme

Try it out!

Read the plot summaries of the fairy tales on your “Stories with Strong Themes” hand out

Decide on an appropriate theme for each fairy tale

There is no single way to state the theme.

• People may express the same theme in different words.

• There may be different opinions about what the main theme is.

• The most meaningful literary works often have more than one theme.

Finding the Theme

Match these familiar stories to the appropriate universal theme.

It pays to work hard and plan ahead.

Appearances can be deceiving.

Universal Themes

Quick Check

Stories

The Little Red Hen

Beauty and the Beast

The Three Little Pigs

The Ugly Duckling

The Frog Prince

A

B

[End of Section]

Match these familiar stories to the appropriate universal theme.

It pays to work hard and plan ahead.

Appearances can be deceiving.

Universal Themes

Quick Check

Stories

The Little Red Hen

Beauty and the Beast

The Three Little Pigs

The Ugly Duckling

The Frog Prince

A

B

A

A

B

B

B

What is the conflict and how is it resolved?

Finding the ThemeQuick Check

Because of a feud over a piece of land, Ulrich and Georg are bitter enemies. One night they encounter each other on the disputed land. Each thinks of killing the other. Suddenly a huge tree falls and pins them both under its weight.

At first the men threaten each other. After a while, however, they notice each other’s suffering, make a pact of friendship, and look forward to being rescued and living in peace. Then they are attacked by wolves.

synopsis of “The Interlopers” by Saki

What do the characters learn?

What is the theme? (State it in a sentence.)

Finding the ThemeQuick Check

Because of a feud over a piece of land, Ulrich and Georg are bitter enemies. One night they encounter each other on the disputed land. Each thinks of killing the other. Suddenly a huge tree falls and pins them both under its weight.

At first the men threaten each other. After a while, however, they notice each other’s suffering, make a pact of friendship, and look forward to being rescued and living in peace. Then they are attacked by wolves.

synopsis of “The Interlopers” by Saki

Think of a story you’ve read that had an impact on you. Then, use a map like the one here to help you figure out the story’s theme. Compare your map with the ones your classmates made. Did you and any of your classmates map stories with similar themes?

Title:

Topic:

• How the main character changes:

• How the conflict is resolved:

• What the title suggests:

Theme:

Practice

Review Questions

What is theme?What is the difference

between a subject of a literary work and its theme?

What are some ways an author can convey a theme?