Typically, when discussing books, one of the questions asked is, “What is the book about?” In response, we usually say a book is about friendship, adventure, or coming-of-age. Each of these is an example of an overarching theme that can be found in books. It is what the story mainly revolves around; it is the central idea.

Alongside the theme of the book is usually the author’s opinion towards the theme. When you write, you often have to keep in mind that you want to make your audience feel or think about what you are presenting them. You want them to consider it both while reading and after reading.

For example, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley has themes of alienation, family, and belonging. When Dr. Frankenstein creates the Monster, he immediately alienates him upon realizing the Monster has come to life. However, the Monster sees Dr. Frankenstein as his father—his creator. This alienation forces the Monster to leave to search for a sense of belonging and family, but he is treated horribly as he is a grotesque monster. This alienation causes him to commit heinous acts as he has never been treated kindly and only understands how to negatively react to the people who treat him poorly. In the end, Dr. Frankenstein and the Monster are at war with each other, both trying to destroy the other. Through the aforementioned themes, Shelley shows her audience the dangers of playing God while also showing us how big of a role companionship, family, and connections are to us as humans. It also shows us that alienation is both the cause of and the punishment for evil. Shelley ensures the audience takes away these messages as they are boldly presented throughout the novel; there is never a moment where the audience has to question what Shelley wants us to feel.

In 1984 by George Orwell, the themes are man versus society, propaganda, manipulation, and humanity. At first, Winston is rebellious against his dystopian society. He does not like it and actively fights against it. However, when he is punished for his actions after being caught with his lover, Julia, he completely changes his ways and embraces his dystopia. Winston completely loses his humanity after he fully obeys Big Brother because, as wanting freedom is a human trait, he convinces himself he loves being under someone else’s control. Orwell wants the audience to realize that readers have to fight against injustice and not wait for someone else to do so like Winston does. Through these themes, Orwell presents his opinion about totalitarianism and an overpowerful government like the ones similar to those he heard of while writing the novel. He ensures that readers are well aware of his stance while showing readers that we cannot be like Winston and Julia if we are ever in a situation similar to theirs.

Your audience has to have something to take away from your writing. There needs to be a reason you are writing your book. What is it that you want them to realize? Do you want to change their view about something?

Your theme affects your storyline. If the theme of your book is justice, what will your characters do in response to that? What actions will they take for or against justice? Everything that happens in your novel connects to your theme.  

Theme can also be a specific moral or message such as “Everything is not what it seems” or “Be careful what you wish for.” Each of these messages can inspire entire plotlines because there is already a message that you are trying to convey at the end. All of your details in your story will broadcast your theme. After you recognize the themes you wish for your book to have, everything else will fall into place.