Theme

Theme:

Some idea or insight about human life, human nature and human behavior that gives meaning to the story

Theme points:
Theme can reveal the author’s view of life, how the world works or fails to work.
A story’s theme is its roots; they are unseen and unstated but vital.
The reader doesn’t have to agree with the theme, just try to understand it.
Theme is not plot it is an idea about human nature. It may help the reader understand some “truth” that he/she never thought about before.

Tips for Generating Theme

Make a list of possible subjects (issues, conflicts, topics) illustrated in the story.
Think about how the protagonist has changed during the course of the story.
Consider the title.
Think, “what is the author trying to reveal to me about the human life/nature/behavior?”

Tips for Writing Theme

The theme should be at least one complete sentence
stay away from using idioms and cliches
It must be expressed as a generalization— no character names or reference to plot!
Watch out for using “every,” “none” or “all”
No “I”, “you’s”, or “don’t”s.