Identifying Themes in Fiction

While the narrative of a text may revolve around its plot events, the underlying themes are the fundamental concepts and meanings that thread through the narrative. Take, for instance, William Golding's "Lord of the Flies," ostensibly depicting the experiences of a group of schoolboys stranded on an island. However, beyond the surface story, Golding explores profound ideas such as the loss of innocence and the conflict between instinctual violence and rationality.

In fiction, various recurring themes emerge, including but not limited to:

• Power
• Love
• Wealth
• Mortality
• Perception versus reality
• Heroism
• Technological influence on society
• Friendship

Identifying these themes can be facilitated by recognising motifs within the text. A motif, often a repeated symbol or concept, serves to reinforce and elaborate upon the underlying themes. Originating from the French word for "pattern," motifs function akin to recurring patterns within a narrative. For instance, in John Steinbeck's novella "Of Mice and Men," the motif of hands pervades the text, offering avenues to explore themes such as violence and personal identity.

Identifying a theme from an extract of text

Extract From "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee:

"He would be there all night, and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning."

Identified Theme:

In this brief excerpt from "To Kill a Mockingbird," the theme of steadfastness and perseverance emerges prominently. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead, the character referred to here remains resolute and unwavering in their commitment. The phrase "He would be there all night" suggests a sense of dedication and endurance, while the assurance that "he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning" underscores a steadfast presence, indicating reliability and constancy even amidst adversity. This theme of resilience and unwavering support is a recurring motif throughout the novel, reflecting the enduring human spirit in the face of hardship and injustice.

Exploring themes in Fiction

When delving into the themes of a text, it's essential to go beyond merely identifying overarching themes like hate, family, relationships, and power. Instead, delve into how these themes interconnect by exploring conflicting ideas and the clash of opposites that lie at their core. For instance:

Conflict: Explore dynamics such as us versus them, friends versus foes, and the state versus the citizen.

Family: Consider the tension between feelings of safety and the desire for independence within familial relationships.

Love: Examine the struggle between the desire for something forbidden and the pursuit of attainable love.

Power: Analyse conflicts between the individual and the state, as well as man versus nature.

Place: Contrast notions of paradise with harsh reality, and examine the dichotomy between the idea of home and the experience of exile.

Nature: Reflect on the divide between humanity and the natural world, juxtaposing themes of natural beauty with those of environmental destruction.

An intriguing theme often involves a clash of opposites. For instance, love becomes more compelling when it faces obstacles. A story where love blossoms without hindrance lacks depth. It's the challenges and conflicts that propel the narrative forward.

When writing about themes, infuse your analysis with depth to demonstrate your engagement with the author's ideas. Consider the following while analysing an extract from a text:

Language Choice: How does the language used suggest a particular theme?

Patterns: Are there recurring language patterns that highlight a theme?

Imagery: Do specific images evoke thematic significance?

Setting Description: How does the depiction of the setting contribute to thematic exploration?

Events: Which events in the extract serve to develop the themes?

Character Representation: How do the characters embody the themes presented?

Conflict: Are there language choices hinting at clashes, opposites, or conflicting themes?

By addressing these points, you can craft a structured and insightful analysis essay in your exam that delves deep into the thematic richness of the text.