“They surround us, and bind us [...] You must feel The Theme flow around you. Here, between you and me-the reader, the book, the story; yes, even between the movie and the poem.”
Theme: a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. It cannot be described in a single word, rather it is a statement of a universal message. A story can have more than one theme it explores throughout.
Moral: a message that is conveyed or a lesson to be learned from a story or event. The moral may be left to the hearer, reader, or viewer to determine for themselves, or may be explicitly encapsulated in a maxim. A moral is a lesson in a story or in real life. - Wikipedia
Methods to find the theme:
- Look at the overall subject of the movie or book
- Look for repeated images or symbols (Motifs)
- Trace the journey of the main characters (whether hero or villain)
- Look at key moments of dialogue or plot points (especially the climax and resolution)
The theme should resonate in one or all of these areas.
10 Universal Themes:
0:15 ~ "Individuals can survive challenging environments in remarkable ways"
0:54 ~ "Sacrifices for family or friends are honored"
1:45 ~ "Dangerous situations can make people into leaders"
2:45 ~ "It doesn't matter what you did, or what you were."
3:45 ~ "Actions speak louder than words"
4:16 ~ "Love conquers all."
5:32 ~ "Sometimes love is letting go"
6:30 ~ "Power corrupts"
7:15 ~ "We are stronger together"
8:00 ~ "Be You"
8:33 ~ Movie Credits
