I once asked a fellow author what the theme of her books was.
She gave me a beatific smile and said, “Oh, fantasy.”
I frowned, tried again. “No, I mean, what’s the theme of your book? Not the genre.”
Again, she gave me that annoying, beatific smile and nodded sagely, “Fantasy. High fantasy.”
After a few more rounds of me trying to pry the theme of her book from her, and her replying with what the genre of her book was, I gave up.
So, what is the theme of a book?
The theme of a book refers to the underlying message or meaning that the author is trying to convey through the story. It’s the central idea or concept that the book explores and communicates to the reader.
For example, the theme of a novel might be the importance of love and friendship, the struggle for justice and equality, the consequences of greed and power, or the nature of identity and self-discovery.
Themes can be expressed through the plot, characters, setting, plot devices, storytelling methods, and language of a book. These themes will resonate with readers in different ways, depending on your own experiences and perspectives, and we can read the same book but come away with very different interpretations.
Some interesting examples of theme in fantasy.
The Hobbit, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, has several themes, but one of the most prominent is the theme of personal growth and transformation.
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who is initially reluctant to leave his comfortable life in the Shire. Bilbo is enlisted by Gandalf to join a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland, which has been taken over by the dragon Smaug.
Throughout the story, Bilbo is forced to confront his fears and limitations, and he gradually transforms from a timid, complacent hobbit into a brave and resourceful adventurer. He learns to rely on his own strengths and instincts, and develops a sense of confidence and purpose that he never had before.
The Hobbit uses Bilbo’s character to explore heroism. Bilbo is not a typical hero, but he possesses qualities such as courage, loyalty, and compassion that allow him to rise to the challenges he faces.
The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien, has several themes, but one of the most prominent is the theme of the struggle between good and evil.
The story is set in a world which is threatened by the dark lord Sauron and his evil minions. Frodo Baggins, is tasked with destroying the One Ring, which is the source of Sauron’s power and can only be destroyed by being cast into the fires of Mount Doom.
Throughout the story, the characters are forced to confront their own limitations and weaknesses as well as the consequences of their choices. They are tested by adversity, and their success or failure often depends on their ability to work together and overcome their differences.
This makes friendship and loyalty one of the enduring themes. The bonds between Frodo and his companions, particularly Samwise Gamgee, are essential to their success in their quest. The novels also explores the role of sacrifice, courage, and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman has as one of the most prominent themes the disillusionment with the fantasy genre and the desire for something more.
Quentin Coldwater is a brilliant but unhappy young man who discovers a hidden world of magic and enrols in a secret school for magicians called Brakebills.
Throughout the novel, Quentin struggles with feelings of disillusionment and dissatisfaction, as he realises that the magical world he had always dreamed of is not what he imagined it to be. He finds that the pursuit of magic doesn’t necessarily bring happiness or fulfilment, and that the world of fantasy is just as flawed and complicated as the real world.
What initially felt like a magical escape, turns out to be just as cumbersome as his old life, so the questions becomes more about how Quentin wants to live his life, if the choices otherwise are fairly equal.
Another important theme is the idea of power and its corrupting influence. As Quentin and his friends become more skilled in magic, they are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the potential for abuse of their powers.
The novel also explores the concept of identity and the search for meaning in life. Quentin and his friends struggle to find their place in the world and to come to terms with their own desires and limitations. And it’s only by growing through what they go through that they begin to come into their own, making choices that not only affirm their place in the world but also their own identity to themselves.
Understanding the theme of a book is important for several reasons.
It enhances comprehension. You understand the story and the author’s message better. By identifying the key ideas and concepts, you can gain a deeper understanding of the story and the characters, as well as how well the author’s message is delivered through the chosen storytelling mediums.
Understanding theme encourages critical thinking. Analysing the theme of a book requires critical thinking skills, which are extremely valuable in other areas of life. By learning to think critically about literature, you can practise and develop your analytical and interpretive skills, which will serve you in academic, professional, and personal contexts far beyond books.
It promotes empathy, as many books explore themes related to human experiences, like love, loss, and friendship. By understanding these themes, you can develop greater empathy and compassion for others, which can help to build stronger relationships and promote your understanding of other people’s points of view. And we could all use more of that these days.
And finally, it provides insight into the author’s world-view. Understanding the theme of a book can provide insight into the author’s beliefs about themselves, gender roles, society, human nature, or the human condition. This can be valuable in understanding the cultural and historical context of the book and the author’s place within it.
How to discover the theme of a book?
Discovering the theme of a book requires careful reading and analysis of the text and storytelling methods used. Here are some steps you can take to uncover the theme of a book:
- Read the book carefully: Start by reading the book from beginning to end, paying attention to the characters, plot, setting, and language. Take notes on key events, symbols, and ideas that stand out to you.
- Identify the main conflict: Every book has a main conflict or problem that the characters must face. Identify the central conflict and ask yourself what the characters are trying to achieve or overcome.
- Look for patterns and recurring motifs: Pay attention to any recurring patterns or motifs that appear throughout the book. These can include repeated images, symbols, dialogue, or ideas that are connected to the central conflict.
- Consider the author’s message: Think about what the author is trying to say through the story. What is the author’s world-view or message about society, human nature, or the human condition? What are they trying to say about the characters, their actions and what consequences do they face?
- Reflect on your own response: Consider your own emotional response to the book. How did it make you feel? What ideas or themes resonated with you? Where did you experience dissonance?
Remember that themes, as well as interpretations, are complex and multifaceted, so it’s important to approach the book with an open mind and be willing to explore interpretations you may not have noticed.
