: Re: Is it acceptable to have the theme of a story remain hidden to its characters? I am trying to expand the depth of my writing beyond simple storytelling. Although my previous novel was an action/adventure,

@Bethany377

Vote Up Vote Down

I think it's acceptable to have the theme hidden from the author. Theme often connotes meaning, which in any form of art is subjective to the viewer. So if the author doesn't know what the theme is, there's no need for the characters to know.

Further, when the theme is obvious to the characters the literary work is often in danger of becoming pedantic.

Theme is for critics and book clubs. Write a good story first and worry about what it means only if you're writing with the intent to persuade; and if you do write with the intent to persuade you must be first and foremost entertaining.

(0)

Login to post a comment!