Themes are the key building blocks of novels. They are the focal concepts that the writer explores in a prose narrative through characters, settings, conflicts, word choice, and literary devices.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a theme as; “A specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern.” Themes add texture to a narrative, allowing the writer to delve into certain ideas and emotions.
I have reviewed many novels over the years, and whenever I do, I zero in on the key themes. It helps me to determine the underlying core of the story. By interspersing themes throughout the narrative, authors help readers understand the soul of a story.
As I reviewed Jack London’s The Call of the Wild, I ascertained that the central theme was a domesticated dog returning to the life of its original species. But London employed other themes, including animal cruelty, greed, survival of the fittest, and love between man and dog, making the story powerful.
In my newly released novel, The Ambition, several themes are at play; the primary ones are, threat, family, and love.
Threat
Threat sets the stage for the conflicts that drive the story. John Cippione, the protagonist, is threatened by a supplier, and if he does not address the threat, his company could become bankrupt, and he could lose his home. In another instance, a secondary character is threatened, and he must decide whether to comply or suffer the consequences.
Family
The importance of family shines through in the story. The primary conflict plays out between two families. The American Psychological Association posted an article on their website that defines family. It states: “A family consists of individuals united by biology or marital, adoptive, or other intimate ties. The family is the fundamental social unit of most human societies but its form and structure can vary widely, including the biological family, extended family, stepfamily, and even groups of friends known informally as “framilies.”
In The Ambition, families are traditional, consisting of parents, siblings, wives, children, and grandparents. The dedication and willingness of family members to support one another through good times and bad times tugs at our heartstrings and makes us want to improve our family relationships.
Love
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary lists nine definitions for love. In this article, I will expound on only one. Love is “Attraction based on sexual desire: affection and tenderness felt by lovers.”
In The Ambition, two characters become attracted to each other, one a married woman. The couple is fully aware that pursuing the attraction could lead to disaster, and they fight the feeling but cannot resist the magnetism. When they finally begin to learn about each other, they discover that they have much in common. One thing they both love is Andrea Bocelli’s music. The theme of love continues throughout the story, and readers get to share some of the couple’s intimate moments.
In conclusion, themes are vital in a novel; they help readers to connect with characters, sometimes even rooting for them. Theyare elements of communication that unveil what the story means, not for the characters in a narrative but for readers with an interpretative perspective on the story.
| Yvonne Blackwood is an author, award-winning short story writer, columnist, world traveller, and retired banker. Her published adult books include: Into Africa: A Personal Journey; Will That Be Cash or Cuffs? Into Africa: the Return, College Life of a Retired Senior: A Memoir of Perseverance, Faith, and Finding the Way, and her debut novel, The Ambition, published September 2024. Her children’s books include: Nosey Charlie Comes to Town; Nosey Charlie Goes to Court; Nosey Charlie Chokes on A Wiener! Yvonne has also contributed to several anthologies including Human Kindness, Canadian Voices, and WordScape. She has published articles in More Our Canada, Adelaide, InTouch and Green Prints magazines. She has written numerous articles for several newspapers including the Toronto Star. |
