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As you continue to savor literature throughout your life, you'll encounter five important elements to any narrative: character, setting, plot, conflict, and theme. No story would be worthwhile without a multi-faceted main character, an interesting setting, an engaging plot (or series of events), a conflict to overcome, and a central theme or message.
The theme is a pivotal element, because it lingers throughout the entire story, from start to finish. It can be whatever the author deems appropriate, and there can also be more than one theme. Before we dive into several examples of theme in literature, let's start with a thorough review of this important element.
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What Is Theme? In any work of art, the theme is the underlying message that the writer would like to get across. Maybe it's a theme of bravery, perseverance, or undying love.
∆ Whether you're reading your favorite Disney book or working your way through The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, there will always be a pervasive theme woven through the story. You'll notice the characters embracing - or turning away from - the theme time and again, and you'll see how their relationship to the theme impacts the events that unfold.
It's important not to confuse the theme and the main idea. The theme is an underlying message of bravery, or hope, or love. The main idea, however, is simply what the story is about. In a way, the main idea is a tight summary of the plot.
∆ How to Find the Theme No story is complete without a few essential elements. They are:
Characters - The people who take part in the action of the story
Setting - Where the story takes place
Plot - The events that make up a story
Conflict - The struggle faced by the main character that must reach a resolution
At this point, you can also ask yourself, "What's the main idea? What's the short version of the story?" Once you're comfortable speaking on each of these elements, it's time to dive into the theme. These three questions will help you unearth it:
What problem is the main character facing?
What lesson did the main character learn?
What message can you take away from the story?
Once you hit that third question, you'll be well on your way to understanding the theme of the story.
