The Fifth Element of a Story: Theme

Pauline J. Grabia participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program, and earns from qualifying purchases from links in this post.

Please subscribe to my email newsletter for updates on my website and blog and exclusive access to the Prologue and Chapters Eleven through Twenty-Five of my novel, Filling the Cracks, now complete and available on the Subscriber Content page of this website (see menu bar above). New content will be added regularly. You can sign up in the form found in the footer of this page. Thank you!

Examining the pages of literature for the theme.

The Fifth Element:

On the endless sea of literature, stories are not merely narratives crafted to entertain but vessels carrying profound messages, emotions, and reflections of the human experience. Every story contains five essential elements. Previously, we explored character, setting, plot, and conflict. In this post, we will look at what is at the heart of every compelling story: the theme. The theme of a story is the central idea or concept that serves as the backbone of the narrative. It resonates with readers deeper than simply the storyline or plot. The theme is the golden thread that weaves through the fabric of a story, guiding readers on a journey of discovery and introspection.

Defining Theme:

What exactly is Theme? It's more than just a moral lesson or a superficial message. Theme transcends the plot and characters to encapsulate universal truths, societal commentary, and philosophical inquiries. Theme lingers in a reader’s mind and heart long after the final page is turned; it prompts them to consider, reflect, and engage with the story personally.

How Does Theme Differ From a Moral?

Theme differs from moral in several important ways. The theme is a story's universal controlling or “big” idea. It’s the author’s message to the reader, and a well-crafted theme can be summarized in a single sentence. The theme is usually not overtly stated in a story. Instead, it is developed like a gourmet dish, carefully measuring and combining characters, setting, tone, symbolism, and other literary mechanisms to produce a final, cogent concept.

Conversely, a moral is a lesson to be learned, not a message or concept to be understood. As in Aesop's Fables, the moral is almost always revealed openly in a story, usually at the end. They can be implicitly or explicitly expressed to teach the reader something rather than allow the reader to interpret the meaning independently. Classic themes include good triumphing over evil, believing in oneself, perseverance, courage, and truth versus falsehood. Morals, on the other hand, are much more prescriptive and simplistic. They include “slow and steady wins the race,” “think twice before you act,” and “persuasion is greater than force.”

Classic Literary Themes:

The list of classic literary themes is extensive, but a few of the most common will be shared here:

·      Good v. Evil

·      Chaos v. Order

·      The Circle of Life

·      Everlasting or unconditional love

·      Faith v. Doubt

·      The Folly of Greed

·      Individualism v. Collectivism

·      Justice v. Injustice

·      Freedom v. Tyranny

·      Power and Corruption

·      Coming of Age

·      Prejudice

·      Liberty v. Totalitarianism

·      Social Mobility

·      The Search for the Meaning of Life

Examples of Theme in Classic Literature:

The first example is in the timeless classic "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. On the surface, it's a story about racial injustice and moral integrity set in the American South during the 1930s. However, beneath its compelling narrative lies a deeper exploration of empathy, compassion, and the inherent goodness of humanity. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, readers are confronted with the harsh realities of prejudice and discrimination and reminded of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

In George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984," the theme of totalitarianism and the consequences of unchecked power looms large. As readers navigate the oppressive regime of Big Brother and the Party, they're forced to confront uncomfortable truths about surveillance, propaganda, and the erosion of individual freedom. Orwell's cautionary tale serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism and the fragility of democracy. This message remains as relevant today as it was when the novel was first published.

In J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye, the theme is subtle, woven into the narrative with delicate precision. The message of adolescent alienation and the search for identity is expertly explored through the disillusioned protagonist, Holden Caulfield. As Holden struggles with isolation and disillusionment, readers are invited to reflect on their struggles with adolescence and the complexities of growing up in a world that often feels indifferent and unkind.

Theme is beautiful because it can transcend the boundaries of time, culture, and context, resonating with readers worldwide. Whether love, loss, redemption, or the pursuit of truth, themes reflect the myriad facets of the human condition, inviting readers to confront their beliefs, values, and experiences.

Plot + Character + Conflict = Theme

One way of looking at the development of a theme in a story is the overlapping of vital elements of character, plot, and conflict. The following Venn diagram displays the interplay of a story's other elements in the theme's development. (I’m not certain where I found this diagram. It doesn’t originate from me, and if anyone knows who created it, please let me know in the comments so I can give it due credit.)

Plot + Character + Conflict = Theme

The missing element, setting, is at play surrounding the other elements and acting as the other elements (e.g., setting as a character or source of conflict) and thus is also implicitly involved.

Embrace the Theme

So, the next time you pick up a book or immerse yourself in a story, take a moment to dig beneath the surface and uncover the hidden treasures of theme. Be captivated by the intricate tapestry of ideas and emotions woven into the narrative; allow the power of storytelling to illuminate, inspire, enrich, and transform your life. To quote Neil Gaiman, "Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten." And in that truth lies the essence of theme—the eternal triumph of the human spirit.