How To Find A Theme

Summary

In this engaging discussion about themes in writing, the speaker clarifies that a theme is a central idea or moral that transcends characters and plot, often reflecting universal concepts. They emphasize the importance of recognizing themes in storytelling, using examples from films like 'Finding Nemo' and 'Iron Man' to illustrate how character journeys and conflicts can reveal deeper messages. The speaker encourages writers to embrace themes that resonate personally, suggesting that themes often emerge naturally during the writing process. Ultimately, the video serves as a guide for understanding and utilizing themes effectively in creative works.

Takeaways

• 😀 A theme is a central idea or message in a piece of writing or art, often reflecting a life lesson or moral.
• 🤔 Themes are universal concepts that transcend specific characters and plot details, making them relatable to a wide audience.
• 📚 It’s essential to distinguish themes from topics; themes are broader and convey deeper insights (e.g., 'revenge destroys everything' vs. 'revenge').
• 🔍 To identify a theme, analyze the protagonist’s journey and character development throughout the story.
• ⚔️ Examining the central conflict and opposing forces can also help uncover themes present in the narrative.
• 🗣️ Sometimes, characters may directly state the theme, providing clarity to the audience.
• 🚫 Avoid vague or overly simplistic themes, such as 'love conquers all'; instead, strive for deeper, more nuanced messages.
• 🌍 Themes can be subjective, meaning different viewers might interpret the same work in various ways based on personal experiences.
• ✍️ Writers often unconsciously gravitate toward certain themes in their work, reflecting their interests and beliefs.
• 📝 Themes can emerge organically during the writing process, rather than being forced at the outset, allowing for authentic storytelling.

Q & A

What is the definition of a theme according to the speaker?

A theme is described as a central idea in a piece of writing or art, often interpreted as the meaning, life lesson, or moral of the story.

How does the speaker differentiate between a theme and a subject?

The speaker emphasizes that a theme is not communicated in a single word or simple topics like love or friendship. Instead, a theme conveys a broader, universal concept or idea related to the subject.

Can you provide an example of a theme from a popular movie?

In 'Finding Nemo', the theme can be interpreted as 'through friendship, you can overcome your fears and insecurities.'

What approach can be used to find the theme of a story?

One way to find a theme is to examine the protagonist's journey and character changes throughout the story, considering what they learn and how it relates to broader humanity.

What theme can be derived from Iron Man's character arc?

From Iron Man, one theme is 'we must all take responsibility for our own actions because, at the end of the day, nobody else will.'

What does the speaker say about the subject of revenge?

The speaker notes that while the subject of a movie could be revenge, the theme might be 'revenge destroys everything and everyone, including the person seeking it.'

How can a character explicitly state the theme of a movie?

Sometimes, characters may directly express the theme through dialogue. For instance, in 'The Incredibles', Helen conveys the idea that working together as a family makes them stronger.

Why is it important to avoid vague or obvious themes?

Vague themes like 'family is awesome' or 'love conquers all' lack depth and fail to convey a meaningful message, making them less impactful.

How do personal experiences influence the interpretation of themes?

The interpretation of themes can be subjective; individuals bring their own life experiences into their understanding of films and scripts, leading to different insights and meanings.

What advice does the speaker offer about discovering themes in one's writing?

The speaker advises not to force a theme but to let it naturally emerge during the writing process, suggesting that themes often rise to the surface as writers delve deeper into their work.