Home > Subjects > English > English level 3 > 3.2 Written text(s) > Subject content > Theme and purpose
- Subject: English
- AS: 90721
- Level: 3
- Credits: 3
- External
3.2 Respond critically to written text(s) studied
Theme and purpose
The theme of the text(s) is the message the author is trying to get across to the reader throughout the text(s). The purpose can be the reason for writing the text so the writer can teach the reader an important lesson about life or challenge existing views. There may be one main theme and several related minor themes in a text. Think of theme as a set of beliefs and values from which judgements on the characters, setting and actions can be made.
Key points to study
- What are the themes your text(s) presents?
- Who is involved with these themes?
- How have these themes been shown and developed?
- What have the characters learned from dealing with this theme?
- What is the theme showing us about our world and values?
Ways to study theme
Choose 5 important quotations which show a theme and complete the chart below:
| Quotation | |
| Character – who said it | |
| Context – where said | |
| Meaning of quotation | |
| What it shows about characters | |
| Theme and explanation |
What does the title mean? Where in the text(s) does it appear? What characters and themes are connected with the title?
How has the theme been shown to the reader and how effective are these techniques?
Conflict is used to reveal themes. Choose a significant event that shows conflict developing for an important character in your text:
- How has structure and/or character(s) been used to show the themes?
- Compare and contrast the way the theme has been explored in your texts.
- How have symbols and language been used to develop themes?
- How does the writer present issues such as truth, justice, prejudice, pain, passion in the text(s)?
- How does the writer use themes to comment or criticise society?
Other keywords for theme and purpose: idea, message, challenge, issue, lesson, concern, human nature, human condition. Conflict and character both help to show the theme.
