theme-essay
English meaning: Theme-essay
Definition
A theme is a central idea or message that runs through a story or essay. Students explore themes when they study literature.
Example
“Loneliness is a major theme in the novel.”
Another example: “Friendship is the central theme that runs through the whole novel.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A noun common in literature and academic study; the central idea or message running through a work ('the theme of loss'). In 'theme essay' it is the topic a student writes about. Distinct from 'subject' (broader) and 'plot' (events).
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Greek 'thema' meaning something laid down.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- central theme
- explore a theme
- recurring theme
- main theme
- theme of love
Word Forms
theme (n); themes (pl); thematic (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B