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Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Themes

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Learning objectives

Learn how to recognize significant themes and ideas.

Examine the importance of themes and ideas to the destination of a text.

Learn about tracking themes at the start of a novel.

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What is a theme?

It needs to be substantial enough to study, e.g. running through all, or part, of the text.

It needs to be significant in its relationship with the narrative, and is usually linked with the protagonist.

Themes and ideas are closely linked with the destination of the text; the themes a writer chooses to explore are intrinsically linked to the message of the text.

A theme is an important idea, viewpoint or opinion that runs through a text.

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The development of themes, as the narrative progresses, is significant as it also often mirrors the development of the protagonist and other key characters.

‘Tracking’ themes through the text is a good way to record and reflect upon the development of themes, using it to make links to other aspects of narrative.

Recognizing significant themes and ideas

Themes and ideas develop throughout a text towards a destination. It is, therefore, important to consider the reader as being on a journey towards this destination, gradually gaining more insight.

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Tracking themes: opening