Theme or Central Idea in Literature

Instructor: Ms. Becky Villarreal

Click here for an Introduction to Central Idea (Video Requires Real Player)

Theme or central idea is the central unifying element of the story which ties together all of the other elements of fiction used by the author to tell the story.

To identify the theme(s), one must look at the other elements of fiction (plot, characters, setting, conflict, etc.) to explain how the author has tied all of these together. In order to understand the central idea or theme of the story ask yourself the following questions :

• How is the central idea or theme expressed through the plot, characters, setting, narration, and the author's style?
• In what way does the resolution of the external conflict indicate the theme? How does the resolution of the internal conflict express the story's theme?
• Are symbols, metaphors, or similes used to portray the theme?
• What are the repeated images, words, or expressions in the story?
• How does the title make sense in terms of the story? Is it significant?
• What the story reveal about society, people in general, the roles of men and women, the time period in which the story takes place?
• Does the central idea make sense in light of the story and the title?

Created by Becky Villarreal Austin Community College 2001