<P> The most common contemporary understanding of theme is an idea or point that is central to a story , which can often be summed in a single word ( e.g. love , death , betrayal ) . Typical examples of themes of this type are conflict between the individual and society ; coming of age ; humans in conflict with technology ; nostalgia ; and the dangers of unchecked ambition . A theme may be exemplified by the actions , utterances , or thoughts of a character in a novel . An example of this would be the thematic idea of loneliness in John Steinbeck 's Of Mice and Men , wherein many of the characters seem to be lonely . It may differ from the thesis -- the text 's or author 's implied worldview . </P>
<P> The most common contemporary understanding of theme is an idea or point that is central to a story , which can often be summed in a single word ( e.g. love , death , betrayal ) . Typical examples of themes of this type are conflict between the individual and society ; coming of age ; humans in conflict with technology ; nostalgia ; and the dangers of unchecked ambition . A theme may be exemplified by the actions , utterances , or thoughts of a character in a novel . An example of this would be the thematic idea of loneliness in John Steinbeck 's Of Mice and Men , wherein many of the characters seem to be lonely . It may differ from the thesis -- the text 's or author 's implied worldview . </P>
what is the main theme of a story
what is the main theme of a story
idea or point that is central to a story , which can often be summed in a single word
idea or point that is central to a story , which can often be summed in a single word