Themes - EdexcelWriting about themes

When you are analysing an extract, think about the following:

• How does the language choice suggest a theme?
• Are there any patterns in the language that give emphasis to a theme?
• Do particular images suggest a theme?
• How does the description of the setting suggest the theme?
• Which events help to develop the themes in the extract?
• How do the characters in the extract represent the theme?
• Are there any language choices that suggest a clash, opposites or conflict of themes?

Example

The opening of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen presents the reader with some interesting themes.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.

"My dear Mr. Bennet," said his lady to him one day, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?"

Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.

"But it is," returned she; "for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it."

Mr. Bennet made no answer.

"Do not you want to know who has taken it?" cried his wife impatiently.

"You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it."

This was invitation enough.

"Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week."

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

The author’s use of language in this extract presents the reader with some important themes:

• In the opening statement, the writer uses humour and irony - “…a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
• Although the statement suggests that a wealthy man wants a wife, there is an implication that a woman would want a husband that is wealthy - “…rightful property…of their daughters…”
• The use of the noun ‘..property..’ in relation to marriage suggests that it is an economical arrangement.
• This focus on wealth is also suggested by the references to Mr.Bingley’s “chaise and four” and “large fortune”.
• The contrast between Mr. and Mrs Bennets’ dialogue is also comical – Mr Bennet’s silence and then sarcasm shows his lack of interest, in contrast to his gossipy wife - “You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.” The use of the italics suggests his sarcastic tone.
• His restraint is contrasted with her chattiness - “Mr Bennet made no answer.”
• The reader is presented with a married couple who seem mismatched.

These language choices combine to suggest two themes:

• money and wealth
• marriage