Topic and Theme

One way a reader can identify a story’s theme is by —

• creating a list of the major characters in the story

• summarizing the plot of the story

• analyzing the meaning of the story’s title

• predicting the outcome of the story

Which of the following statements about themes is true?

• Literary works by different authors may share the same themes.

• Themes describe the lives of authors.

• Authors add themes to their works to make them more suspenseful.

• Poems, unlike short stories, do not have themes.

Unlike a theme, the topic of a work of literature —

• relates to the characters’ lives

• can be expressed in one word

• may be stated indirectly by the author

• is central to the work

Which of the following is the best definition for the literary term "theme"?

• Theme is the author's timeless and universal message of truth

• Theme is what the story is generally about. It uses proper nouns.

• Theme is a short two to three word explanation of what the story is mainly about.

• Theme is the moment of highest suspense in a novel or it is the turning point when a decision has been made.

What is the best definition of THEME?

• A universal truth, moral, or idea that the author wants to express. 

• The author's reason for writing a story

What is the definition of theme?

• how an author reveals a character's traits

• time and place a story takes place

• character vs. self

• author's message about life or human nature

What is the best definition of THEME?

• A universal truth, moral, or idea that the author wants to express. 

• The location and time of the story

• The events that occur in the story

• The author's reason for writing a story

How are the literary terms "theme" and "topic" different?

• Theme is the part in the novel where the reader (or the audience) learns the background information that is important to understanding the story.

• Theme is the author's message. It is both timeless and universal. It is usually a complete sentence while topic is a one to two word description of what the text is about.

• Theme is what the story is generally about. You can use proper names and specific places. Topic is the author's timeless and universal message of truth.

• Theme is the point in the novel called rising action. it is where the conflict is introduced.

Explain why the following is a theme: It is best to take all the facts into consideration before making an important decision. Select the answer that best describes this.

• It is a theme because it clearly states the background information including a description of the main characters.

• It is a theme because it clearly states the author's timeless and universal message.

• It is a theme because it shows the result of a main character's important decision.

• It is a theme because because it is includes specific information about the author and the author's background.

Which of the following is the best definition for the literary term "topic"?

• Topic is a small, but important, detail in the story.

• Topic is how someone is described by the narrator.

• Topic is the words, thoughts and actions of the characters.

• Topic is what the text is generally about.