How do I find the theme in a piece of literature?

Question

What strategies can I use?

Answer 1

A theme is often an idea that is mentioned over and over again in the book (at different parts in the book). Take Catcher in the Rye for example. The name itself is a clue to the theme of the book. Throughout the novel, the song that mentions the children, which he misinterprets, correlates directly to the actions he takes with his sister and those he perceives as younger than him. The theme would be "The protection of the innocence of children takes precedence over everything. He often refers to himself as different than those with the child-like innocence because he is in his view. The theme is very apparent, as you read the novel, as it is mentioned over and over; you just need to pick it up.

Answer 2

The most important themes in literature tend to be universal (understood by people of numerous backgrounds). If you can summarize the most important things from a story that you can also relate to real life, you have identified the themes. Themes also tend to be binary opposites, such as trust and betrayal. A story may have multiple themes, but most are secondary. The most important theme(s) will stand out. You can search for themes online, but the approach I just stated helps you understand them better and apply what you have learned.

Answer 3

You can always go to Google and search "the theme of a book". I hope this information was helpful.

Answer 4

When trying to find the theme in a story, look at the subject, protagonist, plot, symbols, and title of the story. Ask yourself:

1. Subject:
2. If you were to tell a friend what the work of literature was about, how would you describe that? What would you say is the topic?
3. Protagonist:
4. How does he or she change? Does the protagonist affect other characters? How does this character relate to others?
5. Plot:
6. What was the most important moment in the work? Does the author resolve the conflict? How did the work end?
7. Symbols:
8. Are there any reoccurring symbols in the story? What do they represent?
9. Title:
10. How does this connect to the subject, protagonist, symbols or plot?