Theme is the central idea in a poem.  It can be a lesson, a moral, or idea that the poem teaches, or that the poet has experienced.  Theme refers to the poetic insight or message that develops through the poet’s careful attention to details.  Theme can be difficult to state exactly, so poets use images, metaphors, similes and symbols to present their ideas.  Consider the subject and theme in the following poem by 20^th century poet William Carlos Williams.

Subject

Be careful to recognize the difference between “subject” and “theme.”  The subject of the poem is the observable, concrete part of the poem.  In The Term, Williams presents quite an ordinary subject; simply a large sheet of paper as it rolls along in the wind and gets run over by a car.  The car passes, and the paper once again begins to roll in the wind.  These details are directly and explicitly stated in the poem.

Theme

Theme is deeper than subject.  Theme is abstract, and therefore not directly observable.  Instead of directly stating his theme, Williams describes what he sees and compares it to a man.  From this description and comparison, the reader deduces the implicit message of the poem. 

The reader infers that the nature of human beings is weak and fragile.  We recognize that humans are easily destroyed.  In fact, humans are weaker than a mere sheet of paper.  Williams may be suggesting that humans need to be more humble and recognize their fragility.  The title The Term guides the reader in the direction of his intended theme, most likely referring to the length of a human life.

Do poets hide the theme?

It may seem like poets are hiding something because they don’t tell the theme directly.  On the contrary, theme is revealed, not hidden.  This is accomplished through images, symbols and situations to represent deep ideas and make those ideas more familiar.  This helps readers “see” and “experience” ideas in addition to intellectual “understanding” of ideas.  These techniques reveal complex themes that are impossible to state directly. 

Poets make unique observations of unfamiliar or strange things that other people might not notice.  Through keen awareness, poets discover original insights that other people might not consider.  The poet reveals deeper truths about humanity, society, psychology, emotion or nature. 

Do images and environment relate to theme?

Images and environment contribute to theme by creating an atmosphere that supports the meaning of the poem.  It is effective to reveal ideas through pictures, textures, weather and surroundings.  Analyse these examples and interpret the possible themes for yourself.

Is theme important?

Consider the following questions to determine the importance of theme.

1.       Are you reflecting on the meaning of your life? 

2.       Are you seeking the purpose of your life?

3.       Do you want something more than entertainment in your life? 

4.       Are you learning lessons that guide you to a better understanding of society?

5.       Are you fulfilled with life as you presently live?

By considering your response to each of these questions, you can determine the value of poetic themes to your life.

Developing Theme in Your Poetry

Developing the theme of poems is best achieved by enhancing images.  Exact observations and images help the poet focus on specific themes.  Write variations of the image to suggest a unique theme in each example. 

Choose your most interesting observations and images as the basis for your next poem.  Develop the imagery with vivid details, being aware of all of your senses as you describe the scene.