Theme vs. topic?

[Kdshapiro26]

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

[Jamie (K)]

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]

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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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Lobo]

Hi Alan:

In this discussion it is mentioned the word strand which it is also mentioned in the English essay 10.

When I read it in the essay it was not clear for me, but reading this discussion I assume that strand is a synonym of idea. Is my assumption correct?

Regards.

[Beeesneees]

See point 2 here:
http://www.oxfordadvancedlearnersdictionary.com/dictionary/strand

A Learner's Dictionary like this will help you find the meaning of words independently, which is a good skill to develop. It also means you won't have to wait for an answer on the forum.
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Cheers m' dears!

[Alan]

Hi Lobo,

'Strand' is often used to mean 'thread', which is a word used a lot on these forums because it suggests a theme or continuing line of thought. 'Idea' is obviously related to 'strand' but it is used more as one concept whereas a 'strand' is a theme that continues to run through a discussion or piece of writing.

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms

[Lobo]

Hi,

I want to thank you both for both the link for the dictionary and the explanation.

Now the concept is clear for me.

Regards.