ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -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-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -Theme Is Inclusive, Message Is Exclusive The most important difference to understand about theme and message is that theme is inclusive and message is exclusive. In Writing Screenplays That Sell, Michael Hauge posits: Theme is also not the same as message.

Detailed explanation-4: -To find the theme or lesson of a story, look at the main events, the characters, and the characters’ goals. Use these story elements to make inferences, or educated guesses. Why did the characters act the way they did? How did they grow or change?

Detailed explanation-5: -Short stories often have just one theme, whereas novels usually have multiple themes. The theme of a story is woven all the way through the story, and the characters’ actions, interactions, and motivations all reflect the story’s theme. But don’t confuse theme with the story’s plot or moral.