Search
  • Search
  • My Storyboards
https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/literary-terms/theme
x
Storyboard That Logo

Want to create a storyboard like this one?

Create a storyboard

Try Storyboard That!


Theme Definition: the main idea or message that the author wishes to convey to the reader

Theme - The Message

A theme is the message that the author wants the reader to understand by the time they have finished reading. Themes are typically important lessons about life that the reader can connect with in a tangible way. A good theme will leave a reader making connections to the characters and their own life. A theme will sometimes be controversial or have no clear answer, which can prompt the reader to ask deeper questions about the world around them.

The theme is not always explicitly stated; sometimes, the reader must infer the lesson from context, dialogue, or events. The theme often reveals the true intentions of the characters throughout the story, and authors develop theme to tie the importance of their characters and the events of the work together. For example, in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, the readers can infer that loving money too much can lead to a miserable, lonely existence, as exhibited by Scrooge. It is only through the visits of three ghosts that Scrooge comes to understand that money is not the true key to happiness in life, and it is with this understanding that he finds redemption and contentment with his family and his employee, Bob Cratchit.

Storyboard That

Create your own Storyboard

Try it for Free!

Create your own Storyboard

Try it for Free!

Notable Theme Examples in Literature


Be sure to check out our article, "Themes, Symbols, and Motifs"!

Learn more about various devices in literature in our Picture Encyclopedia of Literary Elements!
View All Teacher Resources

Pricing for Schools & Districts

Introductory School Offer
Includes:
  • 1 School
  • 5 Teachers for One Year
  • 1 Hour of Virtual PD

30 Day Money Back Guarantee • New Customers Only • Full Price After Introductory Offer • Access is for 1 Calendar Year


*(This Will Start a 2-Week Free Trial - No Credit Card Needed)
https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/literary-terms/theme
© 2024 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office