The Development of Theme
Rationale:
Literature allows us to vicariously experience a variety of human dilemmas. Through reading, we discover the consequences of choice and the rewards of wise behavior. But skillful authors rarely present their insights about the human condition in an explicit manner. Rather we are to enjoy the obliquity of the writer's craft by analyzing the thematic message encoded in setting, character, symbol, or plot structure. Only after the discovery of theme can we link the world of the book with the world of our lives. Only then will we understand the merit and relevancy of literature. Therefore, guiding students into the discovery of theme gives them a useful tool for future analysis of all literature.Problem: Theme is abstract, and students seem to be increasing unable to wrestle with abstractions. Also, theme is discovered only after analysis of various elements of the work. Hence, a thinking process of two or three steps is required. Yet another difficulty in deriving theme is the confusion of terminology. Themes are frequently presented as two or three word phrases, and are barely distinguishable from mere topics. Then, when students must write essays on theme, they confuse the author's theme with their thesis regarding the theme.
Remedy: Students of all skill and motivation levels can be taught to recognize theme. What the student needs in order to begin his search for theme are: removal of all ambiguity regarding terminology, a managable portion of the text, a cerebral path from the concrete to the abstract, and guidelines for what a thematic statement should and should not be. After the student progesses to the recognition of author theme, he can then be guided to forming a complex thesis that recognizes not just the author's theme but also how the author conveys that theme.
Development of Theme - Teacher's Procedure
A topic, etc., is one or two words, one isolated issue. The less complex the topic, at the early stage of exploration, the better will be the experience for the student.
A theme is a full sentence, a statement that expresses the author's belief about that
topic. A good theme will not contain any reference to the work itself. Rather the theme transcends the work. It is what the author believed before the characters were created or the plot conceived. Also, a good theme will not be simplistic or trite. The statement will be axiomatic but complex, and hopefully contain the insight that made the literature significant in the first place.
A thesis is a statement that the writer believes to be true and intends to support in
a well-written essay. While it could be said that the author's theme is also the author's thesis, it is the student's thesis that is significant. Therefore, the word `thesis' is used solely to discuss the student's defense of what he has determined is the author's theme.
2. Next, focus the student on a smaller, significant passage from the work, such as the opening paragaph of a novel, the final chapter, a soliloquy, a key passage, or a climactic act. Less confident students are more secure in searching a manageable portion of text.
3. Guide the students into generating a list of all subjects/topics/ideas mentioned or alluded to in the selected passage. Ask them to focus on two or three of the more significant topics.
4. Ask students the question, "What is the author's belief regarding this idea?" Their answers should begin to sound like thematic statements. If they do not, or if the student is struggling, widen the scope of the search to other sections of the work. When students begin to see a topic reappear, they have more material from which to derive a theme.
5. Then, ask students how they know the author believes this way. Their answers should be the beginning of their supporting evidence. If they cannot find ample evidence to support the theme they generated, then they may have to revise it.
6. Finally, students are ready to be guided into writing their own thesis - their statement regarding the author's theme, which they believe to be true and which they intend to support in their essay with proof from the literature. The essay regarding theme is deeply analytical. If you can bring your students to this level of critical thinking, you have done well.