Well, think about the central conflicts and how they get resolved. Also, pay attention to the recurring ideas or messages throughout the book. These can help you figure out the theme.
You can start by looking at the main characters' goals and motivations. That often gives you a clue about the theme.
The dialogue of the characters can also give clues about the theme. In many detective fictions, the discussions between the detective and the suspects or other characters can expose themes like justice and morality. Moreover, the setting of the fiction can play a role. A post - apocalyptic setting, as in 'Mad Max', can imply themes of survival, the breakdown of civilization, and human nature in extreme situations.
One way to identify the theme is to consider the recurring ideas or symbols in the story. If a story repeatedly mentions freedom, like in 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', freedom is likely a part of the theme. Also, the way characters struggle and overcome obstacles can point to the theme, like if characters constantly fight against social injustice, that could be a theme.
You can look at the genre, like if it's fantasy, mystery, or romance. Also, check the blurb on the back cover for a summary of the story.
One way to identify the theme in fiction is to look at the main character's journey. What lessons do they learn? What challenges do they face that might point to a larger idea? For example, if a character struggles with honesty throughout the story, the theme could be related to truth or integrity.
To identify the theme in historical fiction, consider the historical context. The events of that time often shape the theme. For instance, in a historical fiction about the Industrial Revolution, themes like class struggle, the impact of technology on society, and the changing nature of work might emerge. Another approach is to analyze the relationships between characters. If there are constant power struggles between different social classes among the characters, it could point to a theme of social inequality.
The theme can often be found in the story's moral or lesson. For instance, in Aesop's fables, each story has a clear moral like 'Slow and steady wins the race' which is the theme. Also, the setting can give clues. A story set during a war might have themes related to survival, sacrifice, or the futility of war.
One can identify the theme in historical fiction by looking at the main ideas that keep recurring. For example, in a historical novel about the Industrial Revolution, themes like the struggle between the working class and the factory owners might be prominent. Also, the values and beliefs of the characters often point to the theme. If the characters constantly strive for freedom in a historical setting where they are oppressed, 'freedom' could be a central theme.
One way is to look at the characters' main goals and struggles. For example, if a character in a realistic fiction story is constantly striving to fit in at a new school, the theme could be about the search for acceptance. Another way is to analyze the overall mood and tone of the story. If the story has a melancholic tone and deals with loss, the theme might be related to grief and moving on.
The theme can often be identified by looking at the main conflict and how it is resolved. For example, in a story about a character striving for acceptance in a new community, the theme might be about the importance of belonging. Also, the repeated ideas, symbols, or motifs can point to the theme. If a story repeatedly mentions the idea of honesty in different situations, honesty could be a central theme.
The theme can often be found by examining the conflicts in the novel. Is it a person vs. society conflict? Then the theme might be about individualism or conformity. If it's person vs. self, themes like self - discovery or redemption could be present. You can also look at the ending. If the story ends with the characters finding peace after a long struggle, a possible theme could be the value of perseverance.