ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Theme is the main or central idea in a literary work. It is the unifying element of a story. A theme is not a summary of characters or events. Rather, it is the controlling idea or central insight of the story.

Detailed explanation-2: -The term theme can be defined as the underlying meaning of a story. It is the message the writer is trying to convey through the story. Often the theme of a story is a broad message about life. The theme of a story is important because a story’s theme is part of the reason why the author wrote the story.

Detailed explanation-3: -The central idea is the central, unifying element of the story, which ties together all of the other elements of fiction used by the author to tell the story. The central idea can be best described as the dominant impression or the universal, generic truth found in the story.

Detailed explanation-4: -Let’s make this easy: Theme is a general principle. Message is a specific example of that theme in action.

Detailed explanation-5: -Remember, “theme” is the same as “central message.” Guided Practice: Listen to these stories and think about what the theme or central message is.