what defines a literary theme
Definition of Theme. As a literary device, theme is the central topic or idea explored in a text. Usually the theme of a work of literature can be stated in one word, such as âloveâ or âsolitude.â A work of literature can, and often does, have more than one theme. The theme is generally not stated explicitly in the text, but instead is expressed through the charactersâ actions, words, and thoughts.