Theme vs. Topic: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A theme is an underlying message or idea in a story, while a topic is the specific subject or matter being discussed or written about.
Key Differences
The theme in literature, art, or music is an overarching idea or message that the creator wants to convey, often reflecting on human nature or societal issues. In contrast, a topic is the specific subject of a piece of writing, conversation, or study.
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Themes are often universal, dealing with concepts like love, betrayal, or courage and are implied rather than explicitly stated. Topics, however, are concrete and clearly defined, such as climate change in a scientific article or a historical event in a documentary.
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A theme is more about the deeper meaning or insight gained from a work, providing a lens through which the story is viewed. A topic, on the other hand, is the focal point of discussion, often outlined at the beginning of a text or talk.
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While a single work can explore multiple themes, such as freedom and morality, it usually revolves around a central topic, like the American Civil War.
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Themes can be subjective, open to interpretation by the audience, whereas topics are generally objective and straightforward.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Underlying message or idea in a work
Specific subject or matter of discussion
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Theme and Topic Definitions
Theme
Central idea or underlying message in a story.
The theme of love versus duty is prevalent in Shakespeare’s plays.
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Topic
The subject of a piece of writing, discussion, or thought.
The main topic of the lecture was climate change.
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Theme
The abstract concept or moral the author wishes to convey.
The theme of resilience is woven throughout the narrative.
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Topic
A matter dealt with in a text, discourse, or conversation.
The essay’s topic was the impact of social media.
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Topic
The specific focus of a research or discussion.
The research paper’s topic is the history of the Internet.
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Topic
A specific area of discussion or study.
The documentary’s topic is endangered species.
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Theme
An implicit or recurrent idea; a motif
A party with a tropical island theme.
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Topic
A particular issue or idea that is the focus of attention.
Today's meeting will cover the topic of team productivity.
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Theme
(Music) A recurring melodic element in a composition, especially a melody forming the basis of a set of variations.
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Topic
(Linguistics) A word or phrase in a sentence, usually providing information from previous discourse or shared knowledge, that the rest of the sentence elaborates or comments on. Also called theme.
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Topic
Subject; theme; a category or general area of interest.
A society where a topic cannot be discussed, does not have free speech.
Stick to the topic
An interesting topic of conversation
Romance is a topic that frequently comes up in conversation
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Theme
A concept with multiple instantiations.
Variations on the theme of entrepreneurial resourcefulness
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Theme
Any of various colors, or color palettes, in which a design is offered; (GUI) any of various skins for an app, affecting the visuals and perhaps other elements such as sound effects.
Switch to a dark theme to conserve battery power
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Topic
(music) A musical sign intended to suggest a particular style or genre.
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Theme
(music) The main melody of a piece of music, especially one that is the source of variations.
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Topic
An external local application or remedy, such as a plaster, a blister, etc.
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Theme
A song, or a snippet of a song, that identifies a film, a TV program, a character, etc. by playing at the appropriate time.
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Topic
One of the various general forms of argument employed in probable as distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, - denominated by Aristotle to`poi (literally, places), as being the places or sources from which arguments may be derived, or to which they may be referred; also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great variety of cases, with a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory.
These topics, or loci, were no other than general ideas applicable to a great many different subjects, which the orator was directed to consult.
In this question by [reason] I do not mean a distinct topic, but a transcendent that runs through all topics.
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Topic
An argument or reason.
Contumacious persons, who are not to be fixed by any principles, whom no topics can work upon.
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Topic
The subject of any distinct portion of a discourse, or argument, or literary composition; also, the general or main subject of the whole; a matter treated of; a subject, as of conversation or of thought; a matter; a point; a head.
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Theme
(linguistics) Theta role in generative grammar and government and binding theory.
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Topic
An external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a blister, etc.
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Theme
(linguistics) Topic, what is generally being talked about, as opposed to rheme.
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Topic
The subject matter of a conversation or discussion;
He didn't want to discuss that subject
It was a very sensitive topic
His letters were always on the theme of love
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Theme
(transitive) To give a theme to.
We themed the birthday party around superheroes.
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Topic
Some situation or event that is thought about;
He kept drifting off the topic
He had been thinking about the subject for several years
It is a matter for the police
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Theme
To apply a theme to; to change the visual appearance and/or layout of (software).
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Theme
A subject or topic on which a person writes or speaks; a proposition for discussion or argument; a text.
My theme is alway one and ever was.
And when a soldier was the theme, my nameWas not far off.
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Theme
Discourse on a certain subject.
Then ran repentance and rehearsed his theme.
It was the subject of my theme.
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Theme
A noun or verb, not modified by inflections; also, that part of a noun or verb which remains unchanged (except by euphonic variations) in declension or conjugation; stem.
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Theme
The subject matter of a conversation or discussion;
He didn't want to discuss that subject
It was a very sensitive topic
His letters were always on the theme of love
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Theme
A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work;
It was the usual `boy gets girl' theme
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Theme
(music) melodic subject of a musical composition;
The theme is announced in the first measures
The accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it
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Theme
An essay (especially one written as an assignment);
He got an A on his composition
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Theme
(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed;
Thematic vowels are part of the stem
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Theme
Provide with a particular theme or motive;
The restaurant often themes its menus
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Theme
A recurring subject or idea that a work of art explores.
The novel’s theme of redemption resonates deeply.
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Theme
An element that gives depth and meaning to a story.
The theme of identity crisis is central to the protagonist's journey.
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Theme
The foundational idea that ties various elements of a work together.
The recurring theme of conflict between tradition and modernity shapes the plot.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a theme in literature?
A theme is an underlying message or idea conveyed in a literary work.
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How is a theme different from a topic?
A theme is an underlying idea, while a topic is the specific subject matter.
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Is the topic important in research?
Yes, the topic guides the focus and direction of research.
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Is a topic always explicitly stated?
Typically, yes, the topic is clearly outlined or stated.
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What is a topic?
A topic is the specific subject or matter being discussed or written about.
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Can themes vary in interpretation?
Yes, themes are often open to individual interpretation.
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How does a theme contribute to a story?
A theme adds depth and insight to a story, enhancing its meaning.
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How do you identify a theme?
Themes are identified by analyzing patterns, symbols, and motifs in the work.
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Are topics subjective?
No, topics are generally objective and straightforward.
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Is the topic the same as the title?
Not always, the title can be different from the topic.
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Do themes vary across cultures?
Yes, themes can vary and be interpreted differently across cultures.
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How specific should a topic be?
A topic should be specific enough to provide clear focus and direction.
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Do themes reflect the author's perspective?
Often, themes reflect the author’s views or messages.
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Are themes found in all types of literature?
Most literature, especially narratives, contains themes.
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Is choosing a topic the first step in writing?
Yes, selecting a topic is typically the first step in the writing process.
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Can themes change over time?
Yes, themes can evolve with cultural and societal changes.
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Is understanding the theme essential?
Understanding the theme can greatly enhance the appreciation of a work.
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Can the same topic have different themes?
Yes, different works with the same topic can explore different themes.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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