Considering the Subject Matter in Composition Crafting
In the realm of storytelling, a clear theme is essential to give a narrative meaning and purpose. This central message or underlying idea acts as a unifying force that ties together the plot, characters, setting, and other narrative elements, inviting readers to engage with the story on a deeper level.
Angie R. Huelsenbeck, a blogger who shares insights about the arts and the creative process at ARHtistic License, is no stranger to this concept. Currently, she is immersed in writing a YA mystical fantasy and a Bible study guide, while also nurturing mystery and MG drafts waiting in the wings.
The theme of a story can be overt or covert, but it underlies the entire narrative. It often reflects a universal truth about the human condition, such as love, death, or identity. Examples of themes include Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give, which may have been written to shed light on what it's like to be an African-American person in America, or The Unicornologist, a book that encourages readers to be open to the supernatural.
Writers can identify and develop the theme during both the writing and rewriting process. By starting with an idea or premise that intrigues them, asking what the story is really about or what it wants to say, they can uncover the thematic purpose. Analysing key story elements such as plot, characters, setting, and tone can help uncover the messages they convey, while reflecting on the story repeatedly can reveal the theme more clearly.
Using thematic concepts and statements, writers can craft statements that express their thematic vision more explicitly during revision. It's important to ensure the theme is implied rather than overtly stated, allowing readers to engage with it organically through the story’s development and emotional impact.
In practice, writers might keep asking themselves questions such as "What is this story trying to show about human nature or society?" or "What feeling or idea do I want readers to take away?" This reflective questioning, paired with attention to narrative details and purposeful rewriting, helps reveal and strengthen the theme throughout the creative process.
It's beneficial to analyse and identify what the story's message is before starting rewrites, so the theme is always just below the surface. ARHuelsenbeck, who is also a former elementary general music teacher, can be followed on Twitter and her artwork, photography, and quilts can be seen on Instagram. She is also submitting a poetry chapbook, further showcasing her versatility as a storyteller.
In conclusion, theme is vital as it gives meaning and coherence to a story, and writers develop it by deliberately exploring their story’s deeper messages through character, plot, and setting during writing and revision phases.
- Angie R. Huelsenbeck, engaged in a diverse range of fiction writing projects, continuously grapples with the theme of her works, from a YA mystical fantasy to a Bible study guide.
- In the realm of online-education, emphasis on education-and-self-development courses often covers the creative process, encouraging writers to delve into themes during both the first draft and subsequent rewrites.
- Through consistent reflection and questioning during the creative process, a writer can craft a fiction story that not only entertains but also imparts a powerful, implicit theme, inviting readers to learn and engage on a deeper level.
