Pondering Over Topic selection in Composition Writing
In the world of fiction, the theme serves as a central, unifying idea that gives a story meaning, coherence, and emotional resonance. This crucial element is the backbone that informs the story's development and structure, making it cohesive, emotionally compelling, and intellectually engaging.
A theme, as the author ARHuelsenbeck explains, can be seen as a universal truth about the human condition that the story illustrates. It is the message the author is trying to convey through their writing. This message may not always be immediately clear when starting a story, but it becomes evident as the narrative unfolds.
For instance, Angie Thomas' book, "The Hate U Give," is an example of a book where the author's purpose is suspected to be giving others a clue of what it's like to be an African-American person in America. On the other hand, "The Unicornologist," written by the author who encourages readers to be open to the supernatural, presents the main character coming face-to-face with Jesus through a centuries-old legend about the unicorn.
The theme impacts story development by ensuring that every plot point, character motivation, and conflict aligns with and supports the overarching thematic message. This coherence helps readers understand not just what happens in the story, but why it matters on a deeper level. Thematically driven stories evoke emotional engagement as readers connect with characters’ struggles tied to the theme, enhancing investment in the story’s outcome.
In terms of structure, theme influences how the story is organized. It drives the arcs of characters and plot because the story’s conflicts and resolutions reflect the thematic ideas being explored, often implicitly posing questions or speculations rather than direct messages or morals. By weaving theme throughout the characters’ actions, thoughts, and the narrative’s progression, the story achieves a layered complexity that resonates with readers beyond the surface plot.
In summary, the importance and role of theme in fiction cannot be overstated. It provides a focused, meaningful backbone that informs the story’s development and structure, making it cohesive, emotionally compelling, and intellectually engaging. Whether it's love, death, taxes, or think before you speak, the theme underlies most fiction and nonfiction writing, making it a vital aspect for both writers and readers alike.
In the creative process of fiction writing, the first draft often lacks the thematic coherence that comes with further learning and revisions. Education-and-self-development, such as online-education courses on creative writing, can cultivate skills essential for realizing and integrating a theme into a story. This refinement, in turn, establishes thematic resonance, ensuring that the draft transforms into a captivating narrative that embodies the intended message.
