The Difference Between a Thesis and a Theme

The one topic that prompts more email than any other on this site is finding the theme of a book. I've received many terse comments from frustrated students who just can't locate the theme of a particular book they're reading.

I finally realized that many students were confusing "finding a thesis" with "finding a theme." No wonder they've been frustrated! The main difference is that "thesis" is generally used by teachers when referring to nonfiction works (you find them in history books and science books) while a "theme" is used when referring to a literary work (fiction). A thesis is stated plainly and early in a nonfiction work, while a theme is an idea or message that you get once you've read the book and you've taken some time to reflect on its meaning.

The bottom line is that you won't find the theme of a book spelled out for you anywhere! But that doesn't mean you have to worry. You just have to read the book and get a feel for the message it conveys to you.