The document discusses the concept of theme in short stories, emphasizing that it represents the main idea and message the writer aims to communicate about life or human nature. It distinguishes between implied and stated themes, and provides examples of thematic statements related to various concepts such as courage and freedom. Additionally, it clarifies the difference between theme and moral, stating that while a moral can be a theme, a theme serves as a broader device to convey the author's message.

1. Theme
Presented by
Misbah
javid
How to write short
story and its
salient features??

2. Theme:
The
story’s main idea.
The message writer
wants to communicate
by telling the story.
The central idea
of a story.
Theme is about life
or human nature .
Theme is not stated
directly but must be
inferred.
Its not a moral
lesson or rule of
living.

3. Types of theme
 Implied themes
must be inferred by
considering all the
elements of a story
and asking what
message about life is
conveyed.
 Stated themes
are directly
presented in a
story.
easily
defined.
And is

4. For example:
The theme of “Cinderella” is implied. The reader can infer the message
that if you are in a bad situation, you should do the best that you can. In
the end, things will work out for you.

5. Theme can be revealed
by:
The ways the
characters change
A story’s title.
and the lesson they
Key phrases and
learn about life.
statements
about big
ideas.

6. Theme and topic matchup:
Courage
Revenge
Jealousy
1-Be careful how you treat other people;
Dreams
1-___________
They may treat you the same.
2-Face your fear and you can defeat them. 2-__________
3-Do not wish for what others posses. Be 3-___________
Happy with what you have.
4-Work what you want in life and you can 4-___________
Achieve any goal.

7. Creating thematic statements (not topic):
 Example: Courage
• Courage
(Thematic idea)
allows people attempt difficult task
(Assertion about thematic idea)
In their lives
even when the
(Qualifying clause: When, because,
Possibility of failure is very high.
Useless, even, so, that, whatever, if, etc)

8. Themes are Usually
about Big ideas:
For example:
Freedom
Friendship
Trust
Good vs. evil
Poverty
Education
Life
Law
Bravery
And much, much more

9. Valuable points:
Theme is not the topic.
Some stories have
Theme is the point
only one theme or
being made about the
message. Other
topic.
Theme is statement
about life.
A good theme teach
valuable lesson about
life .
stories have many
lessons or messages.

10. The theme of famous
short story button
button:
In the story Button,
Button by Richard
Matheson the theme of
the story is don’t let
money get the best of
you.
Listen to the people
who love you.
Remember if you
push the button you
can kill someone you
love or someone you
don't know.

11. The difference
between theme and
moral:
A moral can be a
theme but a theme
cannot always be a
moral. A moral teaches
you something (e.g. slow
and steady wins the
race).A moral is a
message or lesson the
author wants to teach.
A theme is a
device to help
convey the author's
message. A theme is
a general idea (e.g.
love, courage)

13. Thank you