Southern New Hampshire University
HUM-200: Applied Humanities
Week 2 Notes
Themes in Visual Art
Subject v. Theme
A theme is an idea or message that is presented by a work. The theme is often a concept that is
complex and therefore difficult to understand. Artistic works explore such themes, sometimes
offering a perspective, sometimes just raising questions. In literature, themes are found by
examining and analyzing elements of a work, such as plot, action, setting, characters, and
dialogue. In music, the theme is found in the emotional content that is produced by factors such
as key, instrumentation, tempo, timbre, and repetition. In visual art, themes are found in what is
presented and how it is presented, the relationship of elements within the work, and the
relationship of the work to others.
Theme is usually less obvious than subject matter. A theme is usually a short phrase that
encompasses a large idea. Importantly, a theme is universal because it addresses some aspects of
humanity and is therefore relevant to all humans.
Works set during different time periods, or within vastly different cultural circumstances, may
actually have extremely similar themes. Many works include more than one theme, and many
can be interpreted as having different themes. But to claim that a theme is “in” a work, you’ll
want to support your argument with evidence from the work.
As you try to uncover a work’s theme, it may be helpful to think about the following questions:
What ideas, symbols, allusions, or concepts are prominent or repeated? (even if they are
repeated in different ways)?
Does the title have any special relationship to the plot or characters?
What greater meaning can be found in the details, descriptions, and dialogue?
It’s important to note that themes are not always constructed with intention. Themes (like
tradition) are often revealed only after the artifact has been created and can be evaluated. Seeking
to understand the theme helps us come to grips with what a story is “about” and inevitably
invites connection to other works.
