Themes

 What Is Theme?

• It is the author's underlying meaning or main idea that he or she is trying to convey.

• The theme may be the author's thoughts about a topic or view of human nature.

• The title of the short story usually points to what the writer is saying.

Have you understood the definition of themes?

What if you give yourself a test on how to identify themes of a story?

Do not worry  : ) There is no right or wrong answer for it...It depends on your own interpretation

Come !! Let's go for a simple practice before we go further into the themes of QWERTYUIOP 

Well, here is an example of a short story....quite a touching one....so, get ready for tissues before watching it if you are a touchy kind of person   ;p

So, what is your interpretation?

It is found that the themes of the story are ‘mother-daughter relationship’, ‘ungrateful’, and ‘self-centered’.

Remember...you have your own interpretation.

So you might come out with different themes...as long as it has the relevancy  : )

Themes In QWERTYUIOP

DETERMINATION

Despite the supernatural nature by which Ms. Broome badgers and demoralizes Lucy, she shows no signs of giving in to her demand. Instead, she is steadfast in defending her position as the secretary.

POSSESSIVENESS

Not even death could part Ms. Broome from what she feels is rightfully hers. She continues to haunt the office through her electronic typewriter.

LOYALTY

As with her possessiveness towards her job, Ms. Broome was also extremely loyal towards Mr. Bannister. Even after she passed on, her spirit continued in its endeavor to serve her employer.

LONELINESS

Loneliness can be a strong influence in a person’s life. Ms. Broome had no life outside of her office. That made her more possessive of her position in the company; a possessiveness that went beyond the grave.

COMMITMENT

This attribute can be clearly seen in both Lucy and Ms. Broome. Both are extremely committed to their profession.

  

THE SUPERNATURAL

It is interesting that such an integral character in the story happens to be an ethereal entity. Yet this theme is rather prominent in the story.

COMPASSION

This theme holds stormy waters especially in the final confrontation between Lucy and Ms. Broome. It is neither through hatred nor coercion that Lucy manages to outsmarts Ms. Broome, rather, it was through compassion and understanding of Ms. Broome’s intentions. 

Discussion

Question: What are other themes that you think do exist in this story?

You can drop your responses in a ‘post a comment’ box. You are also welcomed to discuss on the question there.  : )