How to Write a Theme Analysis

How to Write a Theme Analysis?

The theme of a literary work is its underlying central idea or the generalization it communicates about life. The theme expresses the author's opinion or raises a question about human nature or the meaning of human experience. At times the author's theme may not confirm or agree with your own beliefs. Even then, if skillfully written, the work will still have a theme that illuminates some aspects of true human experience.

What's the difference between a subject and a theme?

A piece of literature may have both a subject and a theme. The subject is a specific topic of the selection. The theme is the generalization about life at large that the specific selection leads you to see.

How many themes can a work contain?

A long work may contain more than one theme.

How to identify a theme?

Sometimes the theme may be clearly stated. More often, the theme is implied or suggested through other elements. In fact, you can determine the theme by looking closely at other literary elements involved, such as, characterization, setting, events, point of view, tone, irony, imagery, etc. In other words, theme is illuminated through these literary elements.

Pick one theme to write your analysis. Provide three examples from the book to illustrate the theme.
Follow the outline below-
- Introduction-
  - Use one or two sentences to express your personal opinions on the subject of the book
  - State the theme you conclude from the book (your thesis statement)
  - Describe in general, how the author expresses such theme, i.e. by using characterization, symbolism, setting or conflicts, etc.
- Body- Write three paragraphs to explain how the author expresses the theme in his book. To describe each example, you need to include the following information:
  - What happened? What did the character do to show the theme?
  - What did the character say or think ( quotations of direct speeches by the character or from the author's narration)?
  - What is the consequence of his/ her action?
- Conclusion-
  - Restate your theme.
  - What you think of the theme-how it has affected you.

* Even if you write about symbolism, you need to use some details from the story to illustrate your idea.