In this discussion, we will raise the differences in themes and topics. Whenever we start reading a story or any other form of literature, the first thing we notice is the topic on which it was written and the last thing we recognize is the theme, i.e. what is the main point on which the story is structured.
There are many who believe that topics and themes are one and the same. But this is not true, the topic is the main title, usually, written as the title of the work. It is something that is explained or told through a story, essay or report.
On the other hand, a theme refers to a prominent hidden message or idea that the writer’s literary work wants to explore. It acts as the basis of the whole story. It reflects the author’s view or opinion about something, which is imagined in the work. Let’s move further to talk about the difference between theme and topic.
Definition of Theme
Theme can be understood as an idea or subject matter, where the whole story revolves and can be expressed in one word such as love, betrayal, happiness, honesty, courage, hard work, etc. This is the hidden or underlined message of a literary work, which is implied, rather than explicitly stated.
A literary work can contain many themes. Themes are based on acceptable classical or cross-cultural ideas, such as questions relating to ethics and morals.
One can identify the theme of a work based on its characters, storyline, dialogue, setting (location), conflict (struggle faced by the main leader) or a combination of these. A theme is universal in the sense that it does not apply to a single case, but rather can be applied in a broad way.
Furthermore, the themes are categorized into thematic concepts and thematic statements. A thematic concept is an overall concept that reflects the reader’s view of the work, i.e. what they think about the work, therefore, it is up to the reader. Thematic statements describe what the literary work states about the topic, which is explained by the author.
Topic Definition
Topic refers to the main subject of discussion in a literary work. These are phrases or words that the author speaks or writes in an essay, story, or speech. This is the focus that governs the direction of our literature. Basically, an article, essay or story is an explanation of the topic they are writing about. It can be a problem, idea, principle or question that is explained by the entire text.
The topics are highlights that tell you what the material contains because topics are always related to content and plot. This is clearly mentioned in any manuscript, to reflect the main focus of each writing.
The topic must be unique, simple and interesting so that it can attract the attention of the reader. Many writers choose topics that are very general and relatable so readers can relate to them easily, while others look for topics that are infrequent. In short, we can say that the author chooses a topic that allows the reader to have a quick and rough idea of the literature, depending on the audience he wants to target.
The points given below are substantial about the difference between themes and related topics:
- The topic is nothing but the main subject of the story that the author discusses or talks about in the work. On the other hand, theme is the abstract or controlling idea of a literary work, which the writer wants to convey with the help of a story or essay.
- Themes are universal, i.e. they contain a message, which applies not only in one case, but also in many situations. On the other hand, topic in the sense that the writer does thorough research before choosing any topic, thus comes up with a different topic, which the reader wants to read.
- Themes can be described as hidden messages that are absorbed through the work. On the other hand, the topic determines the title or main subject of the work, which is chosen by the reader, taking into account the reader’s interests and concerns.
- The theme determines what the story or essay writer wants to convey to his audience with the help of the material. As against, the topic determines what the story or essay is about.
- This theme is inherent in the story, which the reader must understand, because it is not directly stated, but the whole story revolves around it. On the other hand, the topic is clearly stated at the top of the work, to grab the reader’s attention and give them an idea about the story.
Conclusion: While topics are expressly stated in every essay, report, story or novel, the themes are not directly stated, but rather assumed by the reader, of the work because they are easily recognizable. In short, we can say that a topic is any issue or subject that is being discussed in the material, whereas a theme is the basic message or perception behind the whole writing.
