Theme
So what you are trying
to say is…
What is Theme?
Theme is the central idea, purpose, or lesson
that a story is trying to teach.
If you think of an onion and it’s layers, you can
see where theme comes into play in a story.
It's at the very heart of the literature, but like
the center of an onion, you have to peel away
layers to get to the central idea.
Layers of Meaning
Actual Meaning: The
literal words used by
the author in the
story or poem.
Actual Meaning: The actual events in the
story or words in a poem.
Meaning:
Actual Author’s The
actual events in the
Message: the
story or words in a
ideas the writer
poem. wants to
convey
Actual Meaning: The actual events
in the story or words in a poem.
Author’s Message:
The ideas the writer
wants to convey.
Universal
Truth: The
Theme
Of Special Note
In most cases, you will not find
the theme directly in a story or
poem. Instead, a reader must
infer, or make an educated guess,
after reading a piece.
Clues to Be Found
Places to find clues to the theme:
1. The Title
2. The First Paragraph/Stanza
3. The Last Paragraph/Stanza
4. Repeated words or phrases
REMEMBER
Theme is not the topic of the
work, but a statement made
about the topic.
Examples of Common Themes
• Bravery
• Sorrow
• Love conquers all
• Always expect the worst to
happen