Why should stories have themes? #WorldBookDay

In the literary world, the theme of a story is, in general terms what a book is all about. They are ideas that recur through a piece of writing and are frequently reinforced by motifs. 

A story’s theme can be perceived in at least two ways, depending on whether it’s a novel, film, television show, or other kind of narrative. A theme is a concept that connects all elements of a story, including the nature of the characters, their goals, and arcs, as well as their conflicts and all plot events, to mention a few. Theme can also be outlined as the message or moral that a story conveys. A theme, in other words, is a notion or moral conveyed through a story about people and life, as well as how the world works.

A theme or message can function on a range of levels…

…depending on the story’s structure and genre, as well as the writer’s interests and creativity. The concept of good vs evil is one of the most prominent themes in literature and film. It may be seen in Star Wars or Marvel movies, for example. Also, many detective stories, or thrillers, such as Sherlock Holmes, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and Zodiac feature the popular subject of justice. Also, observe themes about romantic love in films like Casablanca and Pretty Woman, as well as Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Holiday. Psychological themes, such as those seen in The Fight Club, Black Swan, and Shutter island, are frequently explored in dramas.

Regardless of how you see the theme, it is essential to narrate a story. The following are some ways of how a writer might use theme to produce a compelling story:

Writers can use Theme to organize and link separate narratives

Not every novel focuses only on a single character or objective. Many stories and novels feature a variety of seemingly unconnected storylines or points of view that are only linked by common themes.

Figuring out a story’s theme helps the writer to craft a story in which all of the pieces fit together to form a coherent and satisfying dramatic whole. One of the most effective ways for a writer to connect his plot is to have his characters convey different aspects of the story’s theme. For example, in Gone Girl, instead of focusing on a single character, David Fincher and Gillian Flynn present both sides of Nick and Amy’s story. When taken separately, Nick and Amy’s perspectives are woefully unreliable. The idea of trusting someone solely on what they say versus tangible evidence is a big theme of the film. When both unreliable sides are shown simultaneously, the shocking truth is revealed. 

Themes connect various narrative threads in meaningful, insightful ways, just like a primary concept lifts a music album above the sum of its parts.

Writers can use Themes to make stories universal

Great stories feature universal themes that depict real life concepts that everyone can relate to, regardless of race, culture, class, or gender.The theme of absolute power corrupting authority, for example, exists in works ranging from Macbeth to Animal Farm, with the distinction being the locations and characters — monarchs and barnyard animals, respectively. Stories that feature absurd or inaccurate claims about human nature, such as that individuals aren’t thirsty for power are unrealistic. Every individual struggles to comprehend his or her emotions, reactions, and hidden premises, i.e., their subconscious. An original theme like the quest for self-understanding is extremely difficult to dramatize, but audiences all across the world find it incredibly compelling.

The universality of a theme has an impact on the story’s resonance. If you want your story to reach a wide audience, you can’t pitch it to a specific demographic, such as political junkies interested in the concrete politics of Washington, D.C., or young teens fascinated by serial killers’ evilness, or poets captivated by the troubles of a wronged unlikable priest. In general, stories that are pitched at the fundamental ideals that all people share, attract a broad audience. Survival, reason, freedom, justice, friendship, romantic love, self-esteem, dreams, and happiness are examples of core values. These values appeal to individuals on a primal level since they are universal and hence have formed the thematic center of many great stories.

Writers can use Themes to approach character arcs

Character arcs are one of the most dramatic ways a writer may use a theme in a novel. A main character in many stories, whether it’s an adventure like Star Wars or a drama like Saving Mr. Banks, gradually changes during the plot. He or she starts the narrative differently than he or she concludes it. This shift is almost often psychological, involving a shift in the character’s ideals and assumptions. Luke Skywalker, for example, is presented in Star Wars as a young man with a thirst for adventure but with limited abilities and experience. Because of circumstances, mentor influence, and, most importantly, his own thoughts and actions during the Star Wars story Luke evolves into a man capable of fighting the Empire and destroying the Death Star by the end of the film. 

Remember that the protagonist’s internal development is linked to the theme.

It connects the character’s conflicts and desires – the character’s soul, to the storyline, giving readers something to care about and someone to root for. What happens if the connection is broken? What if the protagonist doesn’t have a specific goal in mind?

You’d end up with a narrative that goes nowhere and readers who are bored — a novel without a soul.

Theme should not be disregarded when crafting a story

Good stories need to have a theme. Themes are extremely important for giving your characters and events significance, and that frequently leads to the audience’s spiritual or emotional engagement. Theme helps in the transformation of a good story into a compelling one. It reflects Katniss’ ambition to win The Hunger Games, Santiago’s desire to find hidden treasure in The Alchemist, and Frodo’s drive to destroy the One Ring in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy.

Most importantly, theme helps readers to connect with the characters and their challenges, as well as get emotionally invested in the story.

Isn’t that why we read books and write stories in the first place?

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