Theme vs. topic?

Kdshapiro26 · Sat Aug 19, 2006 23:36 pm *Theme vs. topic?*

Can someone explain the difference between the theme and topic of a book? And can you give me an example if possible.

Jamie (K) · Sun Aug 20, 2006 5:12 am *Theme vs. topic?*

I don't believe there is any difference. I think of them as the same thing. If you look up theme in a thesaurus, it gives topic as an equivalent.

Alan · Sun Aug 20, 2006 10:21 am *Theme/topic*

Hi,

I would say that theme is generally a series of ideas or thoughts and ideas that run through a book. For example many of the novels of Charles Dickens have as their theme poverty and the poor lving conditions associated with it. Topic is often a more detailed approach to one main strand or idea. It could be used in radio and tv programmes as a topic for discussion or consideration.

Alan
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