Theme (narrative) facts for kids

In writing, a theme is the main idea or message a story wants to share. It's the big point the author is trying to make. Think of it as the central topic or a deep thought that runs through the whole book or movie.

What is a Story's Theme?

A theme is often the most important idea in a story. It's what the story is really about, beyond just the plot. For example, a story might be about a boy who goes on an adventure, but its theme could be about bravery or friendship.

Thematic Concept vs. Thematic Statement

When we talk about themes, we can think of them in two ways:

• Thematic concept: This is what readers generally "think the work is about." It's usually a single word or a short phrase. Examples include love, death, betrayal, or growing up.
• Thematic statement: This is "what the work says about the subject." It's a full sentence that explains the author's message. For instance, if the concept is "love," the statement might be "True love requires sacrifice."

Examples of Common Themes

Themes often explore big ideas that many people can relate to. Some common themes you might find in stories include:

• The struggle between a person and society.
• The journey of growing up and becoming an adult.
• How humans interact with new technology.
• Feeling nostalgic for the past.

How Authors Show Theme

Authors don't usually just tell you the theme directly. Instead, they show it through different parts of the story.

Character Actions and Thoughts

A theme can be revealed through what characters do, say, or think. For example, in John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men, many characters feel very lonely. This repeated feeling of loneliness among different characters helps to show that loneliness is a major theme in the book.

Story Events and Settings

The events that happen in a story and where they happen can also highlight a theme. If a story is set in a very isolated place, it might emphasize themes of loneliness or survival. If characters constantly face challenges and overcome them, the theme might be about perseverance.

Author's Message

Sometimes, the theme is very close to the author's own view of the world. Other times, it might be different. The author uses the story to explore an idea, even if they don't fully agree with it themselves. Themes can be found in all kinds of stories, from old tales to modern movies.

See also

• In Spanish: Tema literario para niños