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.
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 story’s key events that lead to and exposes the story’s conflict/problem are presented here. The problem may be an internal or external struggle. Give close attention to how the character(s) deal with the “problem.” Hint: Analyze what complex characters say and do and fail to do, what is said about them, and actions done to them. Importantly, theme is developing and taking shape.
3. Climax
The author purposely intensifies the character’s quest to win/overcome or fail; the opposition and its forces are magnified. Remember, the intensity may be expressed mentally, emotionally, as well as physically. At this point in the plot structure, the theme message has been established and is now being refined.
4. Falling Action
The series of intense events come to a de-escalation and the problem is resolved. The details within the Falling Action are refining the theme message.
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. They will give insight into the character, conflict, or theme.
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
The author is quietly screaming, “This is important. Figure out why.”
9. Symbolism and Figurative Phrases
These literary techniques provide a crafty way for writers to nurture theme. They are often powerful and unforgettable. Analyze them.