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Theme

By Mark Flanagan, About.com

Definition: Theme is the dominant idea that a writer is trying to convey to his readers in a work of literature.
Examples:
In "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," McMurphy represents human individuality and freedom of expression. The institution, a symbol of society as a whole, turns McMurphy into an automaton. Kesey's theme is that modern society endeavors to squash individuality and destroy free expression.

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