theme

theme. / (θiːm) / noun. an idea or topic expanded in a discourse, discussion, etc. (in literature, music, art, etc) a unifying idea, image, or motif, repeated or developed throughout a work.

a melody in an operetta or musical comedy so emphasized by repetition as to dominate the presentation. a melody identifying or identified with a radio or television program, dance band, etc., usually played at the beginning of each program.

A theme is a central, unifying idea. It's the bigger issue that emerges as the characters pursue their goals.

A theme is a musical idea, a central argument in a musical thesis, if you will. As such, themes often comprise the bulk of a phrase, but some themes are less than a phrase, and others occupy a period or other multi-phrase shape.

Themes of risk-taking, relationships, conformity, and parent-child relationships abound, all set among a backdrop of social unrest leading up to World War II.

"Theme and variation" is a popular musical form in which a composer states a melody and then repeats it several times with changes to create more interest and variety. Some famous examples of this form are Charles Ives' "Variations on America" and Mozart's "Twelve Variations on Vous dirai-je, Maman" K.

The purpose of a theme song is often similar to that of a leitmotif. The phrase theme song or signature tune may also be used to refer to a signature song that has become especially associated with a particular performer or dignitary, often used as they make an entrance.

Whether a theme song is made for the show, written to explain the story, or full of instrumental ambiance, a theme song is important because it leaves a lasting impression on the audience. A good theme song will get you to associate it with a show, even if it never says the title.

Whether you spend your time listening to Mozart or Motley Crue, the one thing that connects every song is that they all have a theme. Themes are the main subject and pervasive idea that drive a song's narrative, style, and voice.

Examples. Some common themes in literature are "love," "war," "revenge," "betrayal," "patriotism," "grace," "isolation," "motherhood," "forgiveness," "wartime loss," "treachery," "rich versus poor," "appearance versus reality," and "help from other-worldly powers."

A motif is much shorter than a phrase. If you think of individual notes as letters, a motif would be a word, while a phrase would be a sentence. A phrase has a clear conclusion and feels complete when heard on its own. A theme is a section of a song that carries special meaning and is often repeated more than once.

To identify the theme of a story, you have to read through the story and understand the basics of the characterization, plot and other literary elements that are included in the story. Get to know the main subjects of the story. Get to know what the author's view on the mentioned subjects is.