In literature, a theme is a central topic, subject, or message within a narrative). It is a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature, and it emerges from the treatment of the subject matter. A theme can be divided into two categories: a works thematic concept is what readers "think the work is about," and its thematic statement is "what the work says about the subject"). Themes are often distinguished from premises). The most common contemporary understanding of theme is an idea or point that is central to a story, which can often be summed up in a single word (for example, love, death, betrayal) ).
A theme is not the same as the subject of a work, which can be described in concrete terms, usually through actions. For example, the subject matter of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is Huckleberry Finns adventures, while the primary theme is the conflict between civilization and natural life.
Themes are often universal and express broader truths about human experience that readers can apply to their own lives. They can be communicated in literature and film through characters, setting, dialogue, plot, or elements. Every work of literature has at least one theme.
