Overview
This lecture explains the concept of "theme" in writing and film, how to identify it, and its role in storytelling.
What Is a Theme?
- A theme is the central idea, meaning, life lesson, or moral of a story.
- Themes are universal concepts, not specific to characters or plot details.
- A theme reflects the writer or filmmaker's message to the audience.
- Works can have multiple themes, some obvious and some subtle.
Distinguishing Themes from Subjects
- Themes are not one-word topics like "love" or "friendship"; those are subjects.
- A theme is an observation, opinion, or idea about a subject.
- Example: Subject is "revenge"; theme is "revenge destroys everyone, including the seeker."
How to Identify a Theme
- Examine the protagonist's journey: how does the main character change and what do they learn?
- Substitute the protagonist with humanity as a whole to frame the theme.
- Analyze the central conflict and determine which abstract forces are at play and their outcome.
- Sometimes, a character explicitly states the theme in dialogue near the climax.
Characteristics of Good Themes
- Good themes are specific and insightful, not vague or overly obvious.
- Avoid themes like "family is awesome" or "love conquers all" for being too general.
Subjectivity of Themes
- Different viewers/readers can interpret different themes from the same work.
- Conflicting themes or unintended themes may be found by audiences.
- Your interpretation of a theme is valid for you, influenced by your own experiences.
Writing and Discovering Themes
- Writers often revisit the same themes unconsciously because they resonate personally.
- Forcing a theme is not recommended; often, themes naturally arise during writing.
- Some writers plan a loose theme; others discover it during the process.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Theme — The central, universal idea or message in a story, not tied to specific characters or plot details.
- Subject — The general topic or concept a work covers (e.g., love, revenge).
- Protagonist — The main character whose journey often reveals the story’s theme.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice identifying themes in movies or stories by analyzing the protagonist’s journey and central conflict.
- Reflect on themes that repeatedly appear in your own writing.
- Optional: Participate in a discussion or write about whether you plan your themes or let them surface naturally.