Theme and Theme Statements

Theme and Theme Statements - Notes

The message in a literary work is call the theme. Theme can be stated or implied. Theme is not the same as author’s purpose.

A good theme statement makes general observations. For example: Hardship can build character. People are more important than things. A theme statement must be backed up by text evidence. We infer implied themes by thinking about the plot and/or character development. Theme statements do not contain the names of characters or plot details. Avoid using the pronoun you in a theme statement.

Some themes are recurring and universal. They are expressed repeatedly across many different cultures and time periods.

Theme statements are not clichés. An example of a cliché: Don’t judge a book by its cover. No pain, no gain. A penny saved is a penny earned. Love makes the world go around.

How do you determine the theme of a novel? Think about the characters’ decisions and interactions with other characters. Look at how the characters (especially the main character) change. Think about how the problems in the story are resolved.