Theme in writing

Hello, Neophyte! Welcome. Are you settling into your new room? Don’t mind the janitor; he’s given up trying to control me. He’s practically in my pocket, informing me when that darned Corpo is on the move. While that’s happening, I still have a job to fulfill, so let’s continue with these lessons. Today’s topic: theme in writing.

I’ve already delved into why themes are important, so let’s kick things off with the question: “What is a theme?” A theme in writing is the central idea, message, or underlying concept that the author explores and develops throughout the text. It acts as the overarching topic or motif that connects various elements of the narrative, providing insight into human experiences, values, or societal issues.

Now, that might have been a mouthful of words. Want it explained in simpler terms? Beyond mere entertainment—because mindless fun is just as important as deep explorations of the human condition—theme is the beating heart of a story. It can be many things, from a question such as “What would you be willing to do to survive?” to eternal conflicts like “good vs evil.” If we were to compare it to an essay, the theme would be the thesis, with the characters representing other parts of the text. In many ways, the theme determines who the characters are and the paths they’ll take in a story.

Exploring themes in writing is crucial because they allow us to delve into aspects of the human condition, narratives we might never have imagined, and perspectives we might not have considered.

So, Neophyte, we’ve covered the basics of what a theme is. Now, how do we go about understanding it? The first question that needs answering is: What comes first, the theme, the story, the plot, or the characters? The correct answer is: It depends on the individual. Sometimes we start with an idea and build from there. Other times, we identify a specific theme and construct our story around it. And then there are moments when we’re itching to tell a particular narrative or plot and see what sticks. There’s no set formula here—just a process that grows and evolves with each attempt. So, let’s not waste time trying to figure out what comes first. It’s pointless.

Having established that, and to soothe the nerves of the more anxious among our readers, Neophyte, let’s delve into how to understand theme. It serves as the unifying thread, the central idea that connects everything in your story. It shouldn’t be confused with the plot—while the theme is the heart of the story, the plot is what happens. It may be propelled by the theme in many ways, but they are distinctly different.

Allow me to clarify with an example. Let’s take the ever-classic “good vs evil.” The first image that comes to mind with those words might be the good guy defeating the bad guy and everyone living happily ever after. It’s a fine story for mindless entertainment, but it can go much deeper. Beyond the basic idea of “good vs evil,” the better stories ask questions: What is good? How do I know I am good? Who is evil? These questions are seldom stated outright but should be explored through the characters and their actions. Remember, Neophyte, the most effective twists happen when a character’s deeply held beliefs are shattered in an instant.

Theme is significant because it represents something from which one can either evolve or deviate. We’ll explore this further eventually, but characters that evolve and grow and change throughout the story represent aspects of the theme you are utilizing, Neophyte. Perhaps someone is on the rise, or they’re in a downward spiral, or they’re experiencing extremes. The characters that evolve are the ones that learn, either for good or for ill, but they learn nonetheless. A well-implemented theme, represented through the characters as its vessel, engages the reader and forces them to think. It’s almost as if they’re experiencing their own human struggles and emotions through the ink. And no, Neophyte, it has very little to do with the factual representation of any physical or natural characteristic of the characters. Though that may factor in depending on the story, what truly matters here is something deeper, something far more fundamental.

Theme is never presented as a statement, unless you manage to do so in an elegant way. Instead, theme is integrated into every aspect of the story, from the characters—whether they’re complex and well-rounded or minor and seemingly insignificant. The very development of characters is set and determined by the theme you’ve chosen to explore. Yes, Neophyte, there are clichés and things of that nature, but clichés aren’t inherently bad. They’re just patterns that have been poorly implemented. A dark story with a dark theme, such as “loss of innocence,” for example, will naturally have a whole host of expected clichés and tropes associated with it, which isn’t inherently wrong. What is wrong is surrendering to them and mindlessly implementing them without thought. The onus is on you to take those prepackaged elements and build a memorable story with them.

Now, this notion of characters has multiple sides—it’s like a fifteen-course meal complete with an aperitif, dessert, and cognac and cigars at the end. But for now, let’s focus on two sides of it. One is the characters’ actions and what they represent, and the other is dialogue. Theme is explored not just through action but also through dialogue. A quick rule of thumb regarding the “show, don’t tell” principle is that well-executed dialogue can be equal to action. A character’s speech at the climax of some conflict should be executed in such a way that it doesn’t feel like we’re being told something; rather, it should feel like we’re being shown a part of the character, perhaps a part they’ve tried to avoid, hide, or ignore, but that eventually comes to light, forced out by whatever change has occurred for the character.

Integrating a theme into your writing is no easy task. Proper coherence and cohesion are necessary to understand how all the elements intertwine with each other. As an example:

• Identify Core Concepts: Start by brainstorming key concepts, values, or questions that you want your writing to explore. Consider universal themes such as love, loss, identity, power, justice, etc.
• Character Development: Create characters whose experiences, motivations, and conflicts align with the themes you’ve identified. Their journeys and interactions can serve as vehicles for exploring and expressing these themes.
• Plot Integration: Weave thematic elements into your plot structure. Ensure that the events, conflicts, and resolutions in your story reinforce or reflect the central themes you’ve chosen.
• Setting and Atmosphere: Utilize setting and atmosphere to enhance the thematic resonance of your writing. Describe environments that mirror the mood or thematic undercurrents of your narrative.
• Symbolism and Imagery: Employ symbols, metaphors, and imagery to evoke deeper layers of meaning related to your themes. These literary devices can add richness and complexity to your writing, inviting readers to interpret and engage with your themes on multiple levels.
• Dialogue and Subtext: Use dialogue to reveal characters’ beliefs, values, and philosophical outlooks, which can contribute to the exploration of themes. Additionally, incorporate subtextual elements in conversations to convey thematic nuances indirectly.
• Consistency and Unity: Ensure consistency and coherence in your treatment of themes throughout the writing process. Themes should be integrated organically into every aspect of your narrative, creating a unified and impactful reading experience.
• Reader Engagement: Consider how your themes might resonate with your intended audience. Aim to evoke emotional and intellectual responses that prompt reflection, empathy, or critical thinking.
• Revision and Refinement: Continuously revise and refine your writing to strengthen the thematic depth and resonance. Pay attention to feedback from beta readers or editors to ensure that your themes are effectively communicated and resonant.
• Personal Connection: Finally, infuse your writing with personal insights, experiences, or perspectives related to the themes you’re exploring. Authenticity and sincerity can enhance the emotional impact and relatability of your themes for readers.

It’s important to note that not all themes mesh seamlessly with all genres of literature. Could you tell a dark story within a romantic comedy? Yes, with some caveats. It would require a steady hand and thorough knowledge of the story you’re crafting, but it could be done. This is where you have an advantage, Neophyte—some themes naturally complement certain genres. However, this might put you at risk of falling into clichés and tropes. But if these tropes exist, it’s for a reason; some things are simply expected. As I mentioned before, it’s up to you to integrate everything in a cohesive and compelling way.

There are a few dangers to be aware of here. Theme is already challenging enough, and the temptation to simplify it for ease of execution is great. The danger lies in doing so—you could end up derailing the entire story. Firstly, there are the clichés and tropes, which I’ve already discussed extensively—they’re just poorly executed patterns. Another danger is misjudging how much you can balance or how much the story can balance. Sometimes, less is more. There are plenty of questions that can be explored within a single theme; there’s no need to have several, especially if you have a few characters who can carry the weight of the themes. Remember, you have a finite amount of space, and readers have a finite amount of patience and attention capability.

However, the biggest danger for me, Neophyte, is the reckless projection of personal experiences onto the page. It’s unavoidable, and the more you try to prevent it, the more it’s likely to manifest. The best course of action is to accept this fact and work with it while keeping something in mind: the most enduring and memorable stories are the ones that leave something open to interpretation. Some questions go unanswered, some have vague answers, and fate is left open to interpretation. Yes, the temptation exists to tie up every loose end neatly, but for the reader it is much more appealing to complete the story by themselves.

To recap, themes in writing serve as the heartbeat of a narrative, infusing it with depth, resonance, and meaning. They provide readers with a lens through which to interpret and engage with the text, inviting them to explore universal truths, human experiences, and complex issues. By weaving themes into the fabric of a story, writers can transcend mere entertainment and create works that resonate on emotional, intellectual, and even philosophical levels. Themes serve as bridges between the author and the reader, facilitating connections, fostering empathy, and sparking reflection. They invite readers to ponder life’s big questions, confront moral dilemmas, and grapple with the complexities of the human condition. Ultimately, themes in writing have the power to inspire, challenge, and enrich our understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us. They are the enduring legacy of storytelling, reminding us of the profound impact that words can have on hearts and minds.

All that I have written above, Neophyte, may seem discouraging, especially if you are new. Please don’t fear. You’re not going to complete even a mid-sized novel in a day, and you’re bound to rewrite things again and again until you feel that you’ve gotten it right. Use this process to explore multiple themes yourself, develop new ideas that go outside your own comfort zone, and see where it takes you. Growth is as much for you as it is for your readers and characters.

As for me, I recognize a good book when I finish it and say to myself, “What a journey,” which can only be achieved with themes. Well executed themes linger in the hearts and minds of readers long after the final page has been turned. They remind us of our shared humanity, our interconnectedness, and the infinite possibilities that lie within the pages of a book. And it is through the exploration of themes that we continue to discover the profound beauty and complexity of the human story.

That should be enough for now. Brace yourself, Neophyte; we are abandoning the shallow end.