Theme

All readers have a different interpretation of the same work, none of which will be what we, the writers, are really trying to say.

Ideas that we want to express in our works can not be one word. We must put these words into a complete, operational sentence or assertion to form complete ideas.

When a writer wants the reader to pay attention to a certain idea, they can repeat it or reference it throughout the work. When the idea is repeated throughout the work it is called a theme. As the theme is referenced in the work, it will develop and become more complex as the plot unravels for the reader.

BE CAREFUL! Be consistent with your idea when you repeat it throughout your work. Do NOT change what your argument on the idea in the middle of the work without having it developed with the work.

In developing our themes, we can use other literary features such as images, ideas, and symbols.

When these literary features are consistently used to develop a theme, they become motifs.

To further develop our works, we can include values. When talking about values in the “realm of literature”, it is what is desired, sought, respected, admired, and treasured in the work.

• Ex) Justice, Equality, Democracy, Honor, Selflessness, Love