Tracking the Theme
The heart of the story is its theme message.
While a fictional story is written to delight and inspire, the ultimate goal of an author is to express a central idea, or a universal message known as the theme. The author logically reveals this message over the course of the story’s beginning, middle, and end. It starts with the title and continues throughout the progression of events: interactions between characters as they encounter a situation and deal with a problem and the lesson characters will have learned or failed to have learned. Also, give attention to key words and phrases and the repetition of them, as they are also clues to the theme.
1. Exposition
In a short story’s first few pages, the Exposition introduces the main character(s), setting, background information, and a subtle hint at the story’s conflict. Yes, the Exposition builds the interest of the audience, but its primary function is to give the audience a foundation from which the story is developed so that the upcoming details make sense. The author’s deliberate description of the setting, characters, background information, and a hint of the conflict are expressed here. The story’s theme will begin to emerge, here.
2. Rising Action
The Rising Action presents the key events that lead to and expose the story’s conflict or problem, which may be internal or external. Pay close attention to how characters confront the problem. Analyze what they say, do, fail to do, what is said about them, and the actions taken toward them. This is the stage where the theme is developing and taking shape.
3. Climax
At the Climax, the author intensifies the character’s struggle to succeed or fail. The opposition and its forces are magnified, which may be expressed mentally, emotionally, or physically. By this point, the theme message has been established and is now being refined through the heightened tension of the plot.
4. Falling Action
During the Falling Action, the series of intense events begins to de-escalate and the problem moves toward resolution. The details here refine the story’s theme and show how the characters respond as the conflict winds down.
5. Resolution
As the author wraps up the story, loose ties are mended. Look to see if the main character changes; if he/she does or does not, this clue is a direct link to the story’s concluding theme message.
6. Title
Titles are intentional and often provide insight into the character, conflict, or theme. Never overlook them—they are the first clue to the author’s central idea.
7. Shifts
Author’s find delight when events, characters, or even the tone of a story is altered. The dramatic or subtle changes help the plot become more complex, dramatic, or even bizarre. The wide range of emotions make the story exciting, as it moves the story forward. Notice the hidden when shifts occur. The theme message is being shaped or refined.
8. Repetition of Key Words and Phrases | Important Statements
When authors repeat words, phrases, or key statements, it’s a signal: “This is important. Figure out why.” Repetition is a powerful tool for uncovering the theme.
9. Symbolism and Figurative Phrases
Literary techniques such as symbolism, metaphors, and figurative phrases are deliberate tools to develop theme. They are often memorable, meaningful, and impactful. Analyze them carefully to see how the author communicates the theme.
