Introduction to Theme

What is Theme? The controlling idea of a story – the central insight that it gives us about human life. Theme is not the same as moral. Ask not what a story teaches, but what it reveals about human experience.

Stating Theme Theme should be presented as a detailed assertion. No: Lawrence’s “The Horse Dealer’s Daughter” is about love. Yes: Lawrence’s “The Horse Dealer’s Daughter” presents the idea that love is irresistible and irrational.

Avoid Clichés You don’t know what you have until it’s gone. It’s important to accept yourself for who you really are. Family is important.

Discovering Theme Identify the major ideas in the work. Identify that idea that seems most prominent or of interest to you. Ask yourself what comment it implicitly makes about that idea.

Which is the best statement? 1.Don’t obsess over stuff. 2.Obsession can destroy relationships and lead to a hollow existence. 3.The theme is obsession. 4.It’s important not to worry.

Which is the best statement? 1.It’s never too late to make up for your mistakes. 2.Redemption. 3.Although past selfishness can haunt a person, it is possible to break the cycle of guilt by committing a selfless act. 4.You should not be a coward.

What is the best statement? 1.Exotic locales 2.Colonialism is true barbarism, not the native cultures that are its victims. 3.States shouldn’t intrude on native cultures. 4.Colonialism is bad.