As a noun, a theme is defined as the subject of a talk, a piece of writing or a person’s thoughts. In literature it is commonly known as an idea that recurs and pervades a piece of work, while in a musical composition it may be a prominent or frequently recurring melody or group of notes. Themes can occur anywhere from restaurants to parties, a work of art to an essay.
The term ‘theme’ is one that is most commonly used when talking about literature. In a story, a theme may be a broad idea, message or moral. Themes are more often implied than stated and can be messages about life, society or human nature. Some of the most popular themes in literature are the individual in nature, an individual’s relation to the gods, growth and initiation, time, death and alienation. Readers will often say that themes are one of the most important aspects of a piece of literature and can be the glue that holds a story together.
Within art, themes play a similar role. Artists, performers and film makers will all try to convey a message throughout their work to try and express some fundamental and universal ideas. The theme and message that an artist is trying to portray is completely open to negotiation by the public. Sometimes an artist may not intend to convey a certain message but viewers will interpret the art with a theme that relates to them. If an artist does try to include a theme into their work, it might not be one that is agreed on by critics and they may still choose to take from it what they see fit. In art, particularly contemporary art, themes are provided as a starting point for both artist and viewer. What is taken from the theme is solely in the eye of the beholder.
The term ‘theme’ is one that is most commonly used when talking about literature. In a story, a theme may be a broad idea, message or moral. Themes are more often implied than stated and can be messages about life, society or human nature. Some of the most popular themes in literature are the individual in nature, an individual’s relation to the gods, growth and initiation, time, death and alienation. Readers will often say that themes are one of the most important aspects of a piece of literature and can be the glue that holds a story together.
Within art, themes play a similar role. Artists, performers and film makers will all try to convey a message throughout their work to try and express some fundamental and universal ideas. The theme and message that an artist is trying to portray is completely open to negotiation by the public. Sometimes an artist may not intend to convey a certain message but viewers will interpret the art with a theme that relates to them. If an artist does try to include a theme into their work, it might not be one that is agreed on by critics and they may still choose to take from it what they see fit. In art, particularly contemporary art, themes are provided as a starting point for both artist and viewer. What is taken from the theme is solely in the eye of the beholder.
