Home > Subjects > English > English level 1 > 1.2 Visual/oral text study > Subject content > Theme
- Subject: English
- AS: 90850
- Level: 1
- Credits: 4
- External
1.2 Show understanding of visual text(s)
Theme
The theme of a text is the message the author or director is trying to get across to the reader throughout the text. It can be the reason for writing the text so they can teach the reader an important lesson about life. There may be one main theme and several related sub themes in a text.
Key points to study:
- What are the themes your text presents?
- Who is involved with these themes?
- What have the characters learned from dealing with this theme?
- What have you the audience learnt from the text?
Ways to study theme:
- Grid – identify the theme, character involved, quotation, and lesson learnt by character.
Theme Character that shows this theme Quotation Lesson learnt by character and/or reader
For an example of themes,
Themes (page 3) Whale Rider - A Teacher Resource for Class Cinema Viewing (PDF, 264kb).
Other keywords for theme: idea, message, challenge, issue, lesson how it was worthwhile, inspiring, or important to study. Conflict and character both help to show the theme.
