Find the Theme of Your Book: Steps to Uncover the Theme of a Story

The theme is the beating heart of your novel. Themes, the central ideas behind the narrative, bind the plot and characters together, lending stories a more profound meaning and resonance. They immerse readers in the narrative, connecting them to its core essence. Whether you're a literary enthusiast seeking a more profound understanding of your favorite book or a budding writer working on your own masterpiece, unlocking the theme of a story can reveal its hidden treasures, turning a good story into a great one! In this post, we'll explore the nature of themes and strategies to help you identify your story's theme.

What is a theme?

A theme is the fundamental, and often universal, idea explored in a story. It’s the message the author is trying to convey through the characters, plot, and other literary devices. A theme can be found in any type of story, from a children's book to a novel, and even in a movie or play. By identifying the theme, writers can better understand how to craft an engaging and meaningful plot.

Importance of understanding the theme of a story

Identifying the theme of your story is essential to crafting a powerful narrative. A theme can be as simple as "love conquers all" or as complex as the consequences of power. No matter the scope of your book, the theme is the meaning behind the story.

Why does this matter? A theme is the underlying message or moral of the story, while the plot and characters are the elements that bring the theme to life. If there is no underlying meaning to the story, it can be hard for us as readers to care about what happens.

Common themes in literature

If you want to start with a theme before crafting your novel, here are some themes found in many books in English literature:

• Coming of Age
• Good versus Evil
• Love (or Heartbreak)
• Faith versus Doubt
• Betrayal and Revenge
• Courage
• Redemption

While these may seem broad, focusing on one or two can help you narrow down what you're trying to say with your own story.

Tips for finding the theme of your story

You may already have a theme in mind before you begin your first draft. However, as your story's plot grows and develops, you may find that new themes emerge by the end of the story! To identify your story's theme, look beyond the surface of your novel and consider the deeper implications of your characters' actions and decisions. By understanding the motivations and emotions of your characters, you can uncover the bigger picture of your story and its central theme.

If you're struggling to find your story's theme, try using the following tips to explore the meaning behind your novel's plot!

Identify recurring motifs and symbols

The first step to unlocking the heart of your story is to identify any recurring motifs and symbols. These symbols can be anything from a particular object or color to a phrase or a character trait that is repeated throughout the story. Pay close attention to elements that appear repeatedly throughout your story. These repetitions are often intentional and can offer valuable clues about the underlying theme. Once you've identified the recurring elements, delve deeper into their potential symbolism and significance. Consider the context in which they appear and the emotions they evoke. Reflect on how these elements contribute to the overall narrative and character development.

In Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the author adds layers of meaning to the narrative by incorporating the Ouroboros symbol–depicted as a serpent eating its own tail. Garcia masterfully weaves in this image in other ways throughout the story as well. Rather than just mentioning a snake throughout the novel, she takes certain aspects that you’d normally associate with snakes and sprinkles them throughout by describing Virgil’s character as cold and unfeeling and having both Noemí and Catalina suspect they’re being poisoned. Garcia’s skillful use of this motif reinforces the themes of cyclical patterns, self-destruction, the colonization of Indigenous people, and the interconnectedness of past and present.

Consider character arcs and growth

Characters are the lifeblood of any story, and their journeys often provide profound insights into the underlying theme. Follow the trajectory of your protagonist throughout the story. Observe how they evolve, face challenges, and overcome obstacles. Pay attention to pivotal moments that shape their beliefs, values, and behaviors. You can also delve into the motivations driving your characters' actions and choices. What desires, fears, or conflicts propel them forward? Understanding their motivations can provide insights into the thematic elements driving your story.

In The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, the character arc of Starr Carter, a black teen who witnessed the fatal shooting of her friend by a white police officer, explores themes of racial identity, activism, and finding one's voice. Through Starr's journey of navigating the aftermath of the tragedy, her motivations of seeking justice, challenging systemic racism, and grappling with her own identity contribute to a powerful exploration of social justice and personal growth.

Examine conflicts and resolutions

Identify the primary conflicts that arise in your story. These conflicts can be external, such as battles against antagonistic forces or societal injustices, or internal, such as emotional struggles or moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Look for the moments of tension and opposition that shape your story and create obstacles for the hero. After you’ve identified the conflicts, analyze their resolutions. How are these conflicts ultimately resolved or addressed within the story? Do they find resolution through triumph, compromise, or acceptance? Reflect on the outcomes and the impact they have on the characters and the overall narrative. Consider the messages conveyed through these resolutions and how they align with the broader theme. Whether conflicts are resolved positively or negatively, the resolutions provide valuable insights into the story's thematic exploration.

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley explores the themes of Indigenous rights, violence against Indigenous women, and the complexity of identity, family, and community through the conflicts faced by the main character, Perry. Her fight for justice and respect for her people's culture illuminate the challenges faced by Indigenous communities and their unwavering resilience in the face of adversity.

Analyze thematic language in other books

It can also help to read books in the same genre as yours to identify universal themes. Pay close attention to the author's use of language and recurring patterns in descriptions. Notice the specific words, imagery, and metaphors they employ throughout the story. Do certain words or phrases appear frequently? Are there particular symbols or motifs that reoccur? Identifying these patterns can help you uncover underlying themes or messages that the author intends to convey. For example, if an author consistently uses nature imagery, it may signify themes of growth, change, or the connection between humans and the natural world.

The tone of a story sets the emotional atmosphere and influences how readers experience the narrative. Consider the overall mood created by the author's choice of words, sentence structure, and character interactions. Is the tone somber, lighthearted, mysterious, or intense? Understanding the emotional atmosphere can offer valuable insights into the thematic undercurrents of the story.

In 1984 by George Orwell, the use of repetitive language and descriptive imagery creates a powerful emotional atmosphere that reflects the oppressive nature of the society depicted in the novel. The patterns in language, such as the phrases, "Big Brother is watching you" and "War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength," highlight the manipulation and control exerted by the totalitarian regime. The bleak descriptions and tense tone immerse readers in an atmosphere of fear and surveillance. Through these stylistic choices, Orwell effectively explores the themes of freedom and oppression, allowing readers to empathize with the characters' struggles and contemplate the dangers of totalitarian power.

Reflect on your emotional response

Take a moment to reflect on the emotions you experienced while reading or engaging with the story. Did it evoke feelings of joy, sadness, anger, hope, or fear? Were you moved to tears or laughter? Pay attention to the specific moments or scenes that elicited strong emotional reactions. These emotional responses are often indicators of the themes that resonate with you on a personal level.

Now, consider how these emotions relate to the broader themes explored in the story. For example, if the story evokes a deep sense of empathy and compassion, it might be exploring themes of human connection and empathy. If it triggers a feeling of righteous anger, it could be delving into themes of social justice or inequality. Reflecting on your emotional response allows you to engage with the story on a deeper level and connect with the characters and their struggles.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini evokes a range of powerful emotions in readers, such as empathy, guilt, and redemption. The story follows the complex relationship between Amir and Hassan, two childhood friends from different social classes in Afghanistan. As readers experience the emotional journey of the characters, they might feel deep empathy for Hassan's suffering and betrayal, leading them to reflect on themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and guilt.

Ready to uncover the theme of your book?

Understanding a novel's theme is key for writers. With these five tips, authors can discover and refine the themes in their novels. Uncovering the themes of your novel will allow you to craft meaningful stories that leave a lasting impression!