Theme

The core message or perception that the writer wishes to transmit to the readers is referred to as the theme. In fiction, the subject is not stated explicitly or literally; rather, it is inferred by the author. In other words, a theme is not expressed in a book; rather, the reader discovers the theme after reading and comprehending the story. 

Themes are universal in nature. 

The theme can be described in a single sentence, and in some cases, just one word is enough to convey the idea. 

Theme is divided into two categories: thematic concept and thematic statement. 

Thematic concept relates to the reader’s interpretation of the story, whereas thematic statement refers to what the work says about the subject.  

Example 

• Shakespeare’s Othello – Jealousy, greed. 
• J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series– Love, good versus evil. 
• F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby – Society and class, love, hope. 

How to determine the Theme 

Themes can be exposed by asking questions. 

• What is the story about?  

It indicates the plot of the story. For instance, a man tracks down the men who were guilty of murdering his family after they were acquitted. 

• What is the story’s significance? 

This is generally the effect of his acts in the abstract. 

For example, in my story, a person who has lost everything will discover how far he is willing to go when the system fails him. 

• What’s the lesson to be learned? This is a remark about the situation of mankind. People who have nothing to lose, for example, are dangerous. 

What is this story trying to tell me and how can I relate to this story?