Imagine watching a movie where a young athlete wins the championship despite overwhelming odds and conflicts. You must leave the theatre inspired by the incredible thrilling final and the deeper message: perseverance conquest over adversity.
Or let’s talk about a book exploring the fallout of unchecked ambition—its twists and turns are gripping, but the real impact comes from its cautionary tale. Right?
These emotional connections often stem from the story’s theme. While the plot, great characters, and climactic moments capture our attention, the theme gives stories their meaning. It’s the universal truth or message that resonates with us long after the story ends.
In this blog, we’ll explore what a story’s theme truly means, why it matters, and how it’s conveyed. We’ll also explore realistic and relatable examples to solidify our understanding.
What is the Theme of a Story?
“The theme of a story is its central idea or underlying message in the story. It’s the broader concept the author wants the readers to take away.” While the plots and subplots tell us what happens, the theme explains why it matters. The theme reflects universal human experiences, addressing emotions, moral questions, or societal issues.
For example:
- A story about a struggling athlete may have the theme of perseverance and self-belief.
- A tale about a group of friends confronting societal norms might explore themes of individuality versus conformity.
Why is the Theme Important?
Imagine the bombastic story with stunning story settings and has no “lesson” in it? 🙂 Lol I can’t even imagine… Ok joke aside but let’s assume, Harry Potter without the lesson of Good vs. Evil, the iconic novel of all time, The Picture of Dorian Gray without showcasing the topic of corruption, and Jane Eyre without its final independence? These stories would feel unimaginably hollow like beautifully wrapped gifts with nothing inside or probably a potato.
Themes are the ribs of storytelling; they give stories the real meaning and purpose to the events unfolding. Without them, even the bombastic conflict or story structures would lack their grip.
Examples that Showcase the Story Theme’s Purpose
As I said, Harry Potter without its battle between good and evil—Imagine Voldemort would be just a stupid nuisance, and Harry’s sacrifices would feel meaningless.
The Picture of Dorian Gray without the theme of corruption would reduce it to a surface-level saga of a vain man with a magic portrait, robbing it of its moral weight. And Jane Eyre, the love of every reader, without highlighting its main purpose, the independence? It would be just a romantic drama devoid of the fierce spirit that defines Jane and inspires readers like us.
Themes connect us to stories on an emotional and intellectual level. Without them, stories lose their power to inspire, teach, or linger in our hearts. They’re not just the soul of a narrative; they’re the bridge between fiction and the human experience.
Types of a Story Theme
Before discussing the types of story themes, we need to clarify that there is a difference between the “types” of themes and the “kinds” of the theme.
Fated love, Coming of age, Revenge & Redemption, Good vs. evil and all of these topics are the kind of story theme, not the type of story theme that we are going to cover below. These story themes kinds are unimaginably vast and impossible to count their limits, unlike the types of story themes.
Now let’s talk about the types of a theme in a story. There are only two types of themes:
Major Theme:
The central idea or the core message of the entire story. This is what the whole narrative revolves around — the primary concept the author wants to convey. A Major Theme is present throughout the story from start to finish and applies to all the major characters or the main plot.
Themes: Love conquers all, Power corrupts, The journey of self-discovery.
Example of Major Theme from Romeo Juliet
The entire story revolves around the power of love between Romeo and Juliet clashing with the hatred between their families.
Minor Theme:
These are secondary ideas that run alongside the main plot but are not the primary focus of the story. A Minor Theme adds depth to the narrative by giving subplots or characters additional layers of meaning, but they don’t overshadow the major theme. Minor themes mostly don’t contribute to major spotlights of a story such as the major climax or main conflict. They should only cover the story’s scenes and subplots.
Themes: Friendship, Betrayal, Family bonds.
Example of Minor Theme from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
- Fate (both lovers are destined to die),
- Family Loyalty (characters struggle between love and family duty),
- Revenge (Tybalt’s desire to avenge Mercutio’s death).
How is the Story Theme Conveyed in Stories?
Themes are rarely stated outright; instead, they’re subtly woven into the narrative through:
- Characters: Their struggles, growth, and choices.
- Conflict: The central struggle often highlights the theme.
- Symbols and Imagery: Objects, settings, or recurring motifs can reinforce themes.
- Dialogue and Actions: What characters say and do can reveal deeper meanings.
Examples of Famous Novels and Themes in Their Stories
1. Love and Sacrifice
Example: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
- Plot: The story follows two teenagers with cancer who fall in love.
- Theme: The fragility of life and the power of love to provide meaning, even in the face of mortality.
- How It’s Conveyed: Through Hazel and Augustus’ relationship, their shared joys and sorrows, and the inevitability of loss, the theme emerges powerfully.
2. Power and Corruption
Example: Animal Farm by George Orwell
- Plot: Farm animals overthrow their human owner to establish equality but fall under the tyranny of their own kind.
- Theme: The corrupting influence of power and the fragility of ideals.
- How It’s Conveyed: The gradual shift from equality to oppression, illustrated through Napoleon’s rise to power and the changing commandments.
3. Resilience and Hope
Example: The Pursuit of Happyness (based on the life of Chris Gardner)
- Plot: A struggling single father works tirelessly to overcome homelessness and secure a better future for his son.
- Theme: The power of resilience and hope in achieving one’s dreams.
- How It’s Conveyed: Through Gardner’s unwavering determination, his sacrifices for his son, and the eventual triumph over adversity.
How to Identify a Theme of Any Story?
If you’re trying to uncover the theme of any story, here are some practical steps:
- Analyze the Plot First: What’s the main conflict of a story? What message does it convey?
- Examine the Characters: What do they learn? How do they grow?
- Look for Recurring Elements: Symbols, motifs, or phrases that repeat may hint at the theme.
- Ask “What’s the Point?”: Reflect on what the story is trying to say about life or the human condition.
Conclusion
The theme is the soul of a story, giving it meaning beyond the surface. It’s what makes stories resonate, linger in our minds, and impact our lives. By understanding themes and recognizing them in our favourite tales, we gain a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling.
So, the next time you dive into a book or watch a movie, take a moment to reflect on its theme. What message is it trying to share with you? You might find that it connects with you in ways you never expected.