Theme
Theme is a message the author intends to communicate in a story. This is sometimes called "the moral of the story," but it is not always a moral. It is, however, a universal message about human life that the author wants to get across without directly stating it. It is implied, which means you have to figure it out.
All of the previous elements you have learned about regarding plot and characterization will help to convey the theme. The pieces come together like a puzzle to give you hints about what the lesson or message is intended to be. In this interactivity, click on each folder tab to learn more about the differences between morals and universal truths, which are both types of themes. Click the player button to begin.
Download a printable version of the interactivity.
Finding a Theme
When you are trying to determine the theme of a story, it is helpful to examine several aspects of the story.
- Characters
Look at the characters, particularly the main character. Does he or she change in the story? Does he or she learn a lesson? In what ways does the character grow or change? Often, you can find the theme or moral through what the character learns or how the character must change in the story. - Symbols
Notice symbols in the story. What do they represent? Symbols can easily help you to convey meaning if you analyze them correctly. For example, a story might have a cross in it that could symbolize Christian belief systems. Knowing that, you could infer that the theme might be some universal truth related to Christianity. - Conflict
Look at the conflict in the story and examine how it is resolved. What do the characters gain from the conflict? How do they change, and how do they grow? Answering these questions may help lead you to the theme.
Remember, morals are a type of theme, but not all themes are morals. Some themes do not proscribe how people should be or act. Because a theme is a universal message, it is something that should apply to anyone or any situation, not just to a particular story. Theme must be stated as a generalization about human life or nature. Also, theme is not the same thing as plot, so it is not simply what happened in the story. It is something the reader will learn through what happened in the story. Theme is stated in a complete sentence; this is important. Avoid stating ideas, such as "friendship" or "love" as theme. Make sure that you do not just list topics. Instead of "love," a love-related theme might be "love can teach us lessons about selflessness" or "love can grow stronger through absence."
"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
Like Saki, O. Henry was a pseudonym, or a pen name adopted by the author of a literary work. William Henry Porter took the name O. Henry while serving time in prison for embezzlement in the late 1800's. O. Henry wrote "The Gift of the Magi" in 1905, when the value of money was less than it is today. While the dollar amounts mentioned in the story may seem very small to you, the $1.87 Della has at the beginning of the story would actually be close to $50.00 today. This story relays a tale of a couple, Della and Jim, who are buying Christmas presents for each other. They love each other dearly, and are struggling with the small amount of money that they have to spend. The term "Magi" in the title refers to the Three Wise Men who Christians believe brought gifts to Jesus at his birth. Because of the time of year and the theme of the story, this is a fitting title.
Now, read "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. Make sure to use your active reading strategies. While you read, take specific notes about the theme of the story. How do all of the story's literary elements come together to communicate this theme?
Theme Review
Now that you have explored theme, check your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Read each phrase or sentence and decide whether it is a theme or not. Select your answer and click SUBMIT to check your response. Click the player button to get started.