English 9 / Unit 3: Theme and Symbolism
3.1 Topic vs. Theme
Notes
A topic is what a story is about, in a word or two. A theme is the message or insight about life the story expresses.
- Topic: "friendship." Theme: "True friends tell you hard truths."
- Write a theme as a complete sentence that applies beyond the story.
- Avoid character names and plot details in a theme statement.
- Avoid clichés and commands ("Never lie") when possible; state an insight ("Lies tend to grow until they are harder to hide than the truth").
- A story can have more than one theme.
Practice
Which is a theme statement rather than a topic?
A theme is a complete sentence expressing a message.
Which is the best theme statement for a story where a boy cheats, wins a prize and then feels empty?
It is a general insight, not a plot detail or single word.
Why should a theme statement avoid character names?
Themes are universal messages.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 3 test.