Finding a theme for your work is a daunting task. It’s almost expected that any work of writing should have a theme. At first I wondered why I couldn’t just write an enjoyable story, but then I thought back to all the enjoyable stories I’ve read/watched over the years, and most, if not all, of them, have a recognizable theme.
Sometimes authors use subtle, or not immediately recognizable themes. Tolkien’s work (and Jackson’s interpretations) in their grandeur and scale, often tease themes of a more everyday nature, and the juxtaposition is often heart-wrenchingly beautiful. The stories discuss bonds of friendship and the joys of a simple life while the characters traverse the known world to save everything in existence, producing a brilliantly effective theme.
By contrast, less disguised themes, when executed cleverly, can also elicit the audience’s joy. In HBO’s adaptation of Westworld, the main character often references a “path for everyone” in her musings. The story presents the idea of allowing all creatures to discover—and being allowed to discover—their own path in a clear and bold way.
Themes can also be faceted or layered. For example, superhero movies often follow an overarching theme of teamwork, but each individual hero’s storyline can have a theme unto itself—standing up for justice, rooting for the underdog, overcoming hardships, and the list goes on.
My current work in progress takes place in a world where folks historically fear the unknown and seldom leave the comfort of their environment. The characters often say things like “Stick to the road,” “Trust your compass,” or “Mind the guideposts.” However, as a journey-based fantasy, the main point-of-view characters are yanked out of their environments and thrust headfirst into the uncertainty of what they’ve never experienced, often against others’ well-intentioned admonition. In my next round of revisions I plan to nail down that concept as a theme and develop it more soundly. I’m sure many other stories tackle a similar theme, but my characters will lend a unique perspective.
Therefore, don’t stick to the road. Trust your gut just as much as your compass. Note the guideposts, but decide for yourself where your journey will take you.