Themes – GCSE English Language OCR Revision

Themes usually represent the author’s message or the main ideas that are being brought forward by a text.
Unlike the plot which is the physical event of the story, themes are the underlying ideas or universal truths that the plot and characters represent.
Themes can be broad, covering large-concepts like love, betrayal, or fear; they can also be quite specific such as commentary on political events or societal changes.

Themes are generally not explicitly stated and have to be inferred from the ways characters behave, the plot unfolds, and the setting is described.
Clues about the theme might be found in the narrator’s attitude towards the characters or events, recurring motifs or symbols, or even the title of the text.
Pay attention to the conflicts, or tensions, in the story as they often highlight the themes. These may be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or between a character and a societal norm).

Once identified, consider why the author chose this theme. What idea are they trying to convey or advocate for?
Analyse how the theme influences the character’s actions and attitudes, and how it interfaces with the overall plot.
Note the connotations of the words used which relate to the theme. Do they give a positive or negative judgement?

If analysing more than one text, make note of any common or contrasting themes. This can help draw connections and deepen the understanding of the individual texts.
Aren’t all stories with the same theme the same? Note how different authors might handle the same thematic concept in different ways.

Understand that the theme of a text often aims to make the reader contemplate a particular concept, moral issue or aspect of life.
Reflect on how the theme may affect you as a reader, your interpretation of the world, or your perspective on the topic at hand.
Finally, in crafting an analysis, remember to justify and provide examples for your interpretation of the theme.