English 10 / Unit 4: Theme, Symbol and Allegory
4.1 Stating a Theme
Notes
A theme is a message or insight about life that a text develops. A topic is just a subject.
- Topic: ambition. Theme: Unchecked ambition can destroy the very things a person hoped to gain.
- Write a theme as a complete sentence about people or life in general, not about one character.
- Avoid clichés ("Don't judge a book by its cover") and commands ("Always be honest").
- Use qualifiers like can, often or sometimes to keep themes accurate rather than absolute.
- A text can have several themes.
Practice
Which is a well-stated theme rather than a topic?
It is a complete insight about life, not just a subject.
Why is "Always tell the truth" a weak theme statement?
Themes observe how life works; they do not give orders.
Which theme statement is most precise and accurate?
The qualifier "can" and the specific insight make it precise.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 4 test.