What is a theme?

Question

And by theme i mean the message from a book. It's pretty abstract but I'm trying to help my cousin with a book report. If you could give me some examples that would be great! Thanks.

Answer 1

Theme can be really hard to explain. I think of it as what the author is really trying to say. Usually an author is doing more than telling a story. He (or she) wants you to think about a bigger issue - something that can apply to your own life. He is making a comment about the world, or humanity. Usually a book has more than one theme.

It helps to try to state the theme as one sentence.

Let me give you some examples. The movie Star Wars is a fun adventure. But what is George Lucas REALLY trying to say? I would state the theme as: Spirituality is superior to technology. I think that is the theme because in the end, Luke uses spirituality (the Force) instead of technology (his targeting computer) to destroy the Death Star.

Other themes...

Horton Hears a Who - If you take the time to listen, you'll find that things are not always what they seem.

Charlotte's Web - Friends always believe in each other and help each other.

Answer 2

The subject or topic. a major and often recurring subject or topic.
Amy Dierst discusses the theme of conflict between men and women in the essay about The Third Life Of Grange Copeland. The predominant theme often reveals the larger meaning of the work, including any thoughts or insights about the life or people in general.

Answer 3

a message would be something like: If you think that you can do something, you will do it.

I hope this helps cuz this was the message from the book that I did for my book report.

Answer 4

a theme is an overall message delivered in the story.
ie cinderella -> never give up on your dreams

Answer 5

basically the moral of the book.

Answer 6

i have no clue