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On the podcast I am obsessed with (storygrid.com), they refer to a story’s theme as the “controlling idea”. I like this way of putting it, because a good theme helps you control the unwieldy beast that most (draft) stories are.
A “controlling idea” might be something like “happiness comes through pursuing our true calling”, “money isn’t everything” or “love only comes when we risk our heart”
When you know what the central point and message of your story is, it gives focus to your plot, characters, etc. Obviously it can take many drafts to drill down to the theme, but once it’s there we can see our story take shape.
A brilliant demonstration of the importance of theme is the film “Downsizing” (starring Matt Damon). If you’ve watched it, you’ll know what I mean.
It’s the most out-of-control film I’ve ever seen.
I’ve often wondered what I would say if I was asked about my theme, or controlling idea. I can think of several words, but not a single sentence that I could trot out, and that’s not good enough.
I think it’s easier if you’re writing a specific genre. With genre-bending it becomes more difficult.
Must give this some serious thought.
Maybe it’s something as simple (elegant) as “when desire burns too hot, it destroys”?
I think mine is: “only when culpability is deeply acknowledged can true reconciliation occur.”
I’ve also come to realise that themes / controlling ideas are basically the reason why human beings have always told, written and read stories.
We are all trying to understand how the world works and how best to live our lives within it.
Philippa,
“when desire burns too hot, it destroys” is pretty close to the mark for Angal.
“When obsession takes root, it destroys.” Hmm. Hmmmm.Stories: Also to control … as with one generation instilling fears into the next with stories of the dark and its unseen creatures.
Control or to warn?
And I suppose that’s another thing…. we all choose the stories we want to hear!!
Sometimes definitely control! E.g. ‘Suffering a tyrant may be bad but tyrannicide leads to civil war, which is worse’ – see Plutarch via Shakespeare via this morning’s ‘In Our Time’ 😉
As Orwell wrote ‘Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past’ – and to my mind, the past = the historical narrative = the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.
But I think I am probably getting off topic!
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