Etymology of Theme
The term “theme” originates from the Greek word thema. It means proposition, subject, or thesis. The Greek word thema, however, is a derivative of tithenai, which means to put, to place, or to set. The Latin equivalent of thema is themata, which seems the major contributor to its entry into the English language. With time, the meaning has evolved to include a broad range of concepts such as a central idea or message or a recurring melody in music.
Meanings of Theme
- Literary Theme: Refers to the underlying message or central idea in literature, like the theme of love and loss in various literary works.
- Musical Theme: Denotes a recurring melody or musical idea developed within a musical composition.
- Design and Art Theme: Represents a unifying concept or motif that ties together a work of design or art.
Theme in Grammar
- Noun Usage: “Theme” is primarily used as a noun and can take both singular and plural forms.
- Verb Usage: While less common, “theme” can also function as a verb.
- Contextual Variations: The choice between singular or plural depends on the context.
Definition of Theme
A theme is the underlying message or central idea that a piece of literature, art, music, or design demonstrates through its contents. It is the unifying concept or motif that ties the work together and creates unity, coherence, and logic in it. Major elements that express themes include characters, settings, symbols, and events.
Types of Themes
There are many different types of themes literature, art, music, and other forms of creative expression explore or present. Some common types of themes include:
| Theme Type | Definition | Example |
| Love and Relationships | It includes the complexities of romantic love, familial bonds, and friendships. | For example, “Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare explores the theme of love and relationships through the speaker’s comparison of his beloved to a summer’s day, emphasizing eternal beauty and the power of love. |
| Coming of Age | It includes the challenges and triumphs of growing up and finding one’s place in the world. | For example, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger explores the theme of coming of age emerges through the protagonist Holden Caulfield’s journey of self-discovery, rebellion against societal norms, and search for authenticity. |
| Good vs. Evil | It includes the battle between good and evil, morality and ethics, and the consequences of one’s actions. | Paradise Lost by John Milton explores the theme of good vs. evil through the fall of Satan and the subsequent conflict between God and Satan, exploring the concepts of temptation, free will, and moral responsibility. |
| Identity and Self-Discovery | It includes the journey of self-discovery and the search for personal identity. | “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost presents the theme of identity and self-discovery through the speaker’s contemplation of choosing between two paths, symbolizing the choices and individuality in life’s journey. |
| Loss and Grief | It includes the emotions and struggles that come with losing a loved one or experiencing a major life change. | The short story “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst explores the theme of loss and grief portrayed through the narrator’s recollection of the death of his younger brother and the guilt, remorse, and emotional impact it had on him. |
| Power and Corruption | It includes the dynamics of power, politics, and corruption and their effects on individuals and society. | “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare presents the theme of power and corruption depicted through Macbeth’s ruthless ambition to become king, which leads to his descent into tyranny, corruption, and moral deterioration. |
| Social Justice | It includes issues of inequality, discrimination, and social justice. | The short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson shows the theme of social justice portrayed through the chilling depiction of a small town’s annual lottery ritual, which exposes the dangers of blind conformity, tradition, and collective violence. |
| Nature and the Environment | It includes humanity’s relationship with nature and the impact of human activity on the environment. | The poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth explores the theme of nature and the environment conveyed through the speaker’s encounter with a field of daffodils, capturing the beauty of nature and its ability to uplift the human spirit. |
These examples are representative of the themes mentioned and are not exhaustive. Literary works can explore themes in diverse ways, providing different perspectives and nuances.
Literary Examples of Themes in Different Works
| Theme | Work Title | Explanation |
| Love and Loss | “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare | The central theme of this play is the tragic love story between Romeo and Juliet, exploring the themes of young love, family conflict, and the inevitability of fate. The depiction of love and loss is showcased through the passionate and forbidden love between the two young protagonists, ultimately leading to their untimely deaths and the reconciliation of their feuding families. |
| Coming of Age | To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee | The main theme of this novel is the coming of age of the protagonist, Scout Finch, as she learns about the injustice and racism in her community and develops empathy and understanding for others. The depiction of coming of age is portrayed through Scout’s gradual realization of the complexities of the world and her transformation from innocence to awareness. |
| Power and Corruption | Animal Farm by George Orwell | This novel explores the themes of power and corruption through a group of farm animals who overthrow their human owner, only to have the pigs take control and become corrupt leaders themselves. The depiction of power and corruption is illustrated by the gradual transformation of the pigs from idealistic revolutionaries to oppressive rulers, mirroring real-world instances of corruption and abuse of power. |
| Identity and Self-Discovery | The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger | The central theme of this novel is the journey of self-discovery of the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, as he grapples with issues of identity, alienation, and authenticity. The depiction of identity and self-discovery is exemplified through Holden’s quest to find meaning and connection in a world that he perceives as phony and superficial. |
| Death and Mortality | The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy | This novella explores the themes of death and mortality through the story of a man who is forced to confront his own mortality and the meaning of his life as he faces a terminal illness. The depiction of death and mortality is portrayed through Ivan Ilyich’s introspection and existential contemplation as he realizes the emptiness of his life and the inevitability of death. |
| Freedom and Oppression | The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood | This novel explores the themes of freedom and oppression through a dystopian society where women are forced to bear children for wealthy couples and are denied basic human rights and freedoms. The depiction of freedom and oppression is conveyed through the experiences of the protagonist, Offred, as she navigates a repressive regime and yearns for liberation and autonomy. |
Suggested Readings
- Abrams, M.H. “How to do Things with Texts: A Guide to Critical Reading.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature, edited by Stephen Greenblatt, 9th ed., vol. A, W.W. Norton, 2012, pp. 168-178.
- Barry, Peter. Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory. Manchester UP, 2009.
- Brooks, Cleanth. The Well Wrought Urn: Studies in the Structure of Poetry. Harcourt, 1947.
- Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. Blackwell, 1983.
- Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton UP, 1957.
- Leitch, Vincent B., et al. The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism. W.W. Norton, 2010.
