ThemeTheme

Ω Central idea.

Ω It is an expression of the work’s possible meaning.

Ω A story can have more than one theme.

Ω Different readers may find one theme more intriguing or more important than another.

Theme is like ThesisTheme is like Thesis

∂ In a non-fiction work, the thesis expresses the central idea.

∂ A writer offers a position statement -- a thesis -- expressing his or her attitude on a problem or question and then “proves” or supports that position.

∂ In a work of fiction, the theme is somewhat like a thesis, although there may be multiple themes.

Looking for theme. . Looking for theme. .

Ω The other literary elements in a short story, such as plot, point of view, setting, and character all contribute to the whole, to the communication of a story’s theme (or themes): Remember, a story can have more than one theme.

Ω You and I don’t have to present the same interpretation of a story. What fun would that be?

Ω By analyzing the other elements, one can gradually come up with an idea about the larger meaning of a story, about the theme.

ENORMOUS VARIETY IN LITERARY ENORMOUS VARIETY IN LITERARY THEMESTHEMES

Some great themes have appeared frequently in our literary heritage

For example : ∂The Greeks were interested in the concept of hubris; that is excessive pride. Hence, the theme that mere human beings should not overeach themselves and try to be godlike.

Certain major themes emerged in contemporary literature

ΩSome of the major themes in contemporary literature are focused on the self; others deal with a world that is full of peril, a world that breeds more anger and despair than hope.

ΩAlienation and loneliness are common experiences in fragmented world. The modern decline in family and community structures has elevated loneliness as a literary subject.

∂ There are many themes related to current issues : racial, tension, drug and alcohol abuse, abortion, poverty and the problems of the handicapped.

∂ Related to modern technology there are themes that deal with abuse environment and dehumanization of society.

∂ Disaster themes have become common and reflect our general anxiety. Many of these have been treated in popular movies that make use of spectacular special effects.

Clarity in literature is arrived at more

through descriptions of experience than

through statements of ideas

In an essay the theme is stated early on and everything that follows supports the theme.

In contrast, in literature, the experience is most significant, and in it, the readers discovers a theme.

Sometimes the theme is obvious and can be

clearly stated.

For example, in this poem by Robert Herrick, the theme is stated in the very first line:

To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,

Old Time is still a-flying:

And this same flower that smiles to-day

To-morrow will be dying.

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,

The higher he's a-getting,

The sooner will his race be run,

And nearer he's to setting.

That age is best which is the first,

When youth and blood are warmer;

But being spent, the worse, and worst

Times still succeed the former.

Then be not coy, but use your time,

And while ye may, go marry:

For having lost but once your prime,

You may for ever tarry.

The opening line, "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may", echoes the Latin phrase collige, virgo, rosas ("gather, girl, the roses").

It is the poem theme carpe diem, Latin for seize the day. Carpe diem expresses a philosophy that recognizes the shortness of life and therefore the need to live for and in the moment.

Sometimes the theme is difficult to express.

For instance, this poem by William Blake has been the subject of discussion and controversy:

The Sick RoseO rose, thou art sick.The invisible wormThat flies on the nightIn the howling stormHas found out thy bedOf crimson joy,And his dark secret loveDoes thy life destroy.

The argument is what is the destructive “invisible worm”? Is it some moral failure, some corruption? Or is it more exactly a desease?

There are many degrees and kinds of significance in literary works

The broad literary spectrum ranges from the silliest kind of romance or comic book advanture to the works of major literary.

Good literature has an impact that changes the reader.

It leaves us with the feeling that our experience has been expanded and perhaps we know something afterward that we did not know before.