Theme is the central idea of a literary work, usually expressed as a
generalization about life.
or in other words...
A theme is the point a writer wishes to make. It poses a question, a human problem.
Definition
A
stated theme is one that the author expresses directly in the work. An
implied theme is one that is not stated directly in the work but is
suggested by the work's other elements.
The
plot, or sequence of important events in the story, helps show what the
theme is. So does characterization, or what the author lets readers
know and discover about characters' actions, thoughts, words,
personality traits or what a character learns.
The theme of a literary work is usually about some aspect of everyday life. It is the author's comment or observation, not necessarily a judgment.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help find the theme of a particular literary work:
- What main point is the author trying to make?
- What does this story (play, movie, poem, novel, etc...) reveal about life?
- What does the story reveal about people or human nature?
Contribution of theme to to a story
The plot is the series of events that proves or disproves that point. The plot is like the trunk and branches of a tree; the theme is the carefully hidden roots. The theme should never be obvious, but without it, a story is trivial. The writer starts with an idea; as his story develops, it is influenced by his own philosophy or his observation of the human condition. This is his theme - the quality that brings with it a sense of values and drama. A theme is a natural, unobtrusive part of a story.
