Give feedback
Chapter Overview
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
English
Exam board
Pearson Edexcel
Shakespeare
19th century prose
Modern texts
Poetry
Analysing fiction
Analysing non fiction
Reading
Writing process
Writing skills
Grammar and punctuation
English
Summary
Themes are ideas that may lie under the surface of a text. Examining the language carefully in a fictional text can help you to identify what kind of themes are being shown. In this summary, you will learn how to identify themes of a text.
An easy way to identify themes is by looking at motifs. A motif is a recurring idea or image throughout a text. For example, in 'Macbeth' there is a motif of blood. This reflects the theme of violence and war. In the same way that violence and bloodshed can make someone go crazy, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth start to see things which are not there. You can also relate the theme of a text to characters, setting and the language.
It can be quite difficult to find themes in a short fictional text. It can help to look at the sort of language that is being used and the author's word choices. A fun way to do this is by picking up book and reading a random page. Whilst reading, pick out a few words and try to associate similar words to it. For example, 'wind'. We can associate this with: clouds, atmosphere, a dull day. This will all go under the theme of nature. Then you can see if there are other words that relate to this theme. This can help identify recurring themes of a text.
'I couldn't forgive him or like him, but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified. It was all very careless and confused. They were careless people, Tom and Daisy - they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.'
F. Scott Fitzgerald – The Great Gatsby
When looking at themes in a text, try to look beyond the simple terms. Instead, it can help to explore the opposite of a theme. For example, the opposite of love is hate. There are usually opposites included in a text because it is what makes the story interesting. Without conflict, the story will be rather boring to read, so keep an eye out for opposing themes.
Themes are ideas that may lie under the surface of a text. Examining the language carefully in a fictional text can help you to identify what kind of themes are being shown. In this summary, you will learn how to identify themes of a text.
An easy way to identify themes is by looking at motifs. A motif is a recurring idea or image throughout a text. For example, in 'Macbeth' there is a motif of blood. This reflects the theme of violence and war. In the same way that violence and bloodshed can make someone go crazy, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth start to see things which are not there. You can also relate the theme of a text to characters, setting and the language.
It can be quite difficult to find themes in a short fictional text. It can help to look at the sort of language that is being used and the author's word choices. A fun way to do this is by picking up book and reading a random page. Whilst reading, pick out a few words and try to associate similar words to it. For example, 'wind'. We can associate this with: clouds, atmosphere, a dull day. This will all go under the theme of nature. Then you can see if there are other words that relate to this theme. This can help identify recurring themes of a text.
'I couldn't forgive him or like him, but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified. It was all very careless and confused. They were careless people, Tom and Daisy - they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.'
F. Scott Fitzgerald – The Great Gatsby
When looking at themes in a text, try to look beyond the simple terms. Instead, it can help to explore the opposite of a theme. For example, the opposite of love is hate. There are usually opposites included in a text because it is what makes the story interesting. Without conflict, the story will be rather boring to read, so keep an eye out for opposing themes.
Themes of modern texts
Drama, poetry and prose
Analysing settings in fiction
Analysing characters in fiction
FAQs
Question: What is a motif?
Answer: A motif is a recurring idea or image throughout a text.
Question: How do you identify a theme?
Answer: An easy way to identify a theme is by looking at motifs.
Question: What is a theme?
Answer: Themes are ideas that may lie under the surface of a text.
Theory
Exercises
© 2020 – 2023 evulpo AG
Your data protection
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. By clicking on either "Accept cookies" or "Necessary cookies only", you agree to this (read more in our Privacy Policy). Privacy Policy