Theme (literature)
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In literature, a theme is a broad idea in a story, or a message conveyed by a work. This message is usually about life, society or human nature. Themes are usually implied rather than explicitly stated. Deep thematic content is not required in literature; however, some readers would say that all stories inherently project some kind of outlook on life that can be taken as a theme, regardless of whether or not this is the intent of the author. Analysis of changes in dynamic characters can provide insight into a particular theme.
A theme is not the same as the subject of a work. For example, the subject of Green Eggs and Ham is "everyone wants to eat green eggs and ham, no matter the location". The theme might be "have an open mind".
The term theme may be used in the same way to refer to works of theatre and film.
Examples of Literary Themes
Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Themes include:
- The impossibility of certainty
- The mystery of death [1]
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Themes include:
- The decline of the American Dream
- The hollowness of the upper class [2]
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: Themes include:
- Social change in 19th-Century Russia
- The blessings of family life
- The philosophical value of farming [3]
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain: Themes include:
- (The evils of) Racism and slavery
- Intellectual and moral education
- The hypocrisy of "civilized" society [4]
See also