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Glossary

Theme: GCSE English Definition

Nick Redgrove

Written by: Nick Redgrove

Reviewed by: Deb Orrock

Published

Last updated

Contents

  1. 1. What is a theme?
  2. 2. Why do writers use themes?
  3. 3. Example of a theme
  4. 4. Revision resources to ace your exams

What is a theme?

In GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language, a theme is a central idea or message that runs throughout a text. Themes often explore universal ideas, such as love, fate, conflict, or power, and help shape the deeper meaning of a text.

Why do writers use themes?

Writers use themes to convey important messages and connect with their reader or audience. By exploring key ideas, it encourages the reader or audience to reflect on moral, social, or philosophical questions. Themes also give a text structure and meaning, making it more impactful.

Example of a theme

One of the most significant themes in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is fate, as seen in this quote from the text:

"A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life."

From the opening prologue, fate is presented as an unstoppable force that governs Romeo and Juliet’s destiny. The idea that their love is doomed from the start adds a sense of inevitability to the tragedy. Shakespeare reinforces this theme through omens, dreams, and the characters’ belief that their lives are controlled by higher powers.

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to explore a writer's use of themes by using our detailed GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.

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Author
Reviewer
Nick Redgrove

Author: Nick Redgrove

Expertise: English Senior Content Creator

Nick is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. He started his career in journalism and publishing, working as an editor on a political magazine and a number of books, before training as an English teacher. After nearly 10 years working in London schools, where he held leadership positions in English departments and within a Sixth Form, he moved on to become an examiner and education consultant. With more than a decade of experience as a tutor, Nick specialises in English, but has also taught Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.

Deb Orrock

Author: Deb Orrock

Expertise: English Content Creator

Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

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