Theme
Background
Story brings an audience into the theatre, theme makes it worthwhile. It is the reason your story exists, without it, your story has little significance. It is by far the most complex aspect to grasp, but there is more than one way to find it.
"Art is a microscope which the artist fixes on the secrets of his soul and shows to people these secrets which are common to all." - Leo Tolstoy
We will look at nine techniques to show, not tell, the theme(s) in your story. There is more to theme than the overall summaries of 'love, war, good vs bad'. What kind of love is it? Love gained or lost? Is it a relationship? Is it tragic? Perhaps its parental love or friendship love? If you're having trouble finding the theme, ask yourself: if I could change people's minds about something, what would it be?
Concerns
Problems
Vague themes
Unrelatable themes
Finding the universal meaning in your story
Solution
We look for answers and universal values in stories because we want to know how to lead our lives. Themes explain the world emotionally rather than analytically.
Related Insights
Citizen Kane
The corruption of ambition
Gone with the Wind
Tragic selfish love