Issue vs. Theme — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 16, 2024
Issue refers to a problem or matter requiring resolution, while theme denotes a central idea or underlying message within a narrative.
Difference Between Issue and Theme
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An issue is typically a point of contention, debate, or concern that requires attention or resolution, whereas a theme represents the underlying message, moral, or main idea that an author wishes to convey through a narrative.
While issues are often specific, tangible, and can be resolved through discussion, decision-making, or action, themes are more abstract, offering insight or commentary on the human condition, society, or universal experiences.
Issues are usually identifiable in the context of social, political, or personal situations, demanding consideration or action to address or solve them. In contrast, themes might not call for immediate action but rather invite reflection, understanding, or a change in perspective.
An issue might be something that directly affects individuals or groups and has immediate consequences, such as environmental pollution, inequality, or educational reform. On the other hand, a theme such as love, betrayal, or freedom, pervades literature, art, and discourse, shaping our understanding and interpretation of narratives.
While issues can often lead to divisiveness or debate as people have different opinions on how to address them, themes tend to be unifying, resonating across different cultures and experiences, highlighting shared human values or dilemmas.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A problem or matter that requires resolution
The underlying message or central idea in a narrative
Nature
Specific, tangible, actionable
Abstract, conceptual, reflective
Focus
Resolution, discussion, action
Insight, understanding, interpretation
Context
Social, political, personal situations
Literature, art, narratives
Impact
Immediate, often divisive or requires consensus
Broad, unifying, transcends cultural or personal differences
Compare with Definitions
Issue
A problem or concern that needs to be addressed.
The issue of climate change requires global attention.
Theme
The central idea or message conveyed.
The theme of love transcends the novel's plot.
Issue
Arises within specific situations.
They discussed the issue of privacy in digital communications.
Theme
Can inspire change or new perspectives.
The theme of redemption offers hope for change.
Issue
Can lead to disagreement on solutions.
The issue of healthcare reform sparked heated debates.
Theme
Appeals to universal experiences or values.
The theme of sacrifice is evident in her artwork.
Issue
Potentially can be resolved or mitigated.
Finding a solution to this issue will benefit everyone involved.
Theme
Encourages thought or reflection.
The theme of identity challenges readers to consider their own.
Issue
Calls for decision-making or intervention.
The city council addressed the issue of public safety.
Theme
Often not immediately obvious; requires analysis.
The novel's theme emerges through the protagonist's journey.
Issue
A point or matter of discussion, debate, or dispute
What legal and moral issues should we consider?.
Theme
A topic of discourse or discussion.
Issue
A matter of public concern
Debated economic issues.
Theme
A subject of artistic representation.
Issue
A misgiving, objection, or complaint
Had issues with the plan to change the curriculum.
Theme
An implicit or recurrent idea; a motif
A party with a tropical island theme.
Issue
A problem or difficulty.
Theme
A short composition assigned to a student as a writing exercise.
Issue
A personal problem
Is convinced that her boss has issues.
Theme
(Music) A recurring melodic element in a composition, especially a melody forming the basis of a set of variations.
Issue
The act of circulating, distributing, or publishing by a business, government, or organization
Government issue of new bonds.
Theme
See topic.
Issue
An item or set of items, as stamps or coins, made available at one time by a business, government, or organization.
Theme
A stem.
Issue
A single copy of a periodical
The May issue of the magazine.
Theme
A subject, now especially of a talk or an artistic piece; a topic.
Issue
A distinct set of copies of an edition of a book distinguished from others of that edition by variations in the printed matter.
Theme
A recurring idea; a motif.
Issue
Proceeds from estates or fines.
Theme
A concept with multiple instantiations.
Variations on the theme of entrepreneurial resourcefulness
Issue
Something proceeding from a specified source
Suspicions that were the issue of a deranged mind.
Theme
Any of various colors, or color palettes, in which a design is offered; (GUI) any of various skins for an app, affecting the visuals and perhaps other elements such as sound effects.
Switch to a dark theme to conserve battery power
Issue
A culminating point leading to a decision
Bring a case to an issue.
Theme
(dated) An essay written for school.
Issue
A final result or conclusion, as a solution to a problem.
Theme
(music) The main melody of a piece of music, especially one that is the source of variations.
Issue
The act or an instance of flowing, passing, or giving out
Where the lake gives issue to its waters.
Theme
A song, or a snippet of a song, that identifies a film, a TV program, a character, etc. by playing at the appropriate time.
Issue
A place of egress; an outlet
A lake with no issue to the sea.
Theme
(grammar) The stem of a word.
Issue
A lesion, wound, or ulcer producing such a discharge.
Theme
(linguistics) thematic relation of a noun phrase to a verb.
Issue
Offspring; progeny
Died without issue.
Theme
(linguistics) Theta role in generative grammar and government and binding theory.
Issue
To flow, go, or come out
Water issuing from a spring.
Voices issuing from a room.
Theme
(linguistics) Topic, what is generally being talked about, as opposed to rheme.
Issue
To proceed from a source; emerge or come forth
Ideas issuing from a discussion. ].
Theme
A regional unit of organisation in the Byzantine empire.
Issue
The action or an instance of flowing or coming out, an outflow, particularly:
Theme
(transitive) To give a theme to.
We themed the birthday party around superheroes.
Issue
A movement of soldiers towards an enemy, a sortie.
Theme
To apply a theme to; to change the visual appearance and/or layout of (software).
Issue
Someone or something that flows out or comes out, particularly:
Theme
A subject or topic on which a person writes or speaks; a proposition for discussion or argument; a text.
My theme is alway one and ever was.
And when a soldier was the theme, my nameWas not far off.
Issue
The bodily fluid drained through a natural or artificial issue.
Theme
Discourse on a certain subject.
Then ran repentance and rehearsed his theme.
It was the subject of my theme.
Issue
Offspring: one's natural child or children.
He died lawyered up.
Theme
A composition or essay required of a pupil.
Issue
Progeny: all one's lineal descendants.
Although his own kingdom disappeared, his issue went on to rule a quarter of Europe.
Theme
A noun or verb, not modified by inflections; also, that part of a noun or verb which remains unchanged (except by euphonic variations) in declension or conjugation; stem.
Issue
A race of people considered as the descendants of some common ancestor.
Theme
That by means of which a thing is done; means; instrument.
Issue
The produce or income derived from farmland or rental properties.
3. A conveys to B all right to the real property aforementioned for a term of _____ years, with all said real property's attendant issues, rents, and profits.
Theme
The leading subject of a composition or a movement.
Issue
Income derived from fines levied by a court or law-enforcement officer; the fines themselves.
Theme
The subject matter of a conversation or discussion;
He didn't want to discuss that subject
It was a very sensitive topic
His letters were always on the theme of love
Issue
The entrails of a slaughtered animal.
Theme
A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work;
It was the usual `boy gets girl' theme
Issue
Any action or deed performed by a person.
Theme
(music) melodic subject of a musical composition;
The theme is announced in the first measures
The accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it
Issue
Luck considered as the favor or disfavor of nature, the gods, or God.
Theme
An essay (especially one written as an assignment);
He got an A on his composition
Issue
A single edition of a newspaper or other periodical publication.
Yeah, I just got the June issue of Wombatboy.
Theme
(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed;
Thematic vowels are part of the stem
Issue
The entire set of some item printed and disseminated during a certain period, particularly a single printing of a particular edition of a work when contrasted with other print runs.
The May 1918 issue of US 24-cent stamps became famous when a printer's error inverted its depiction of an airmail plane.
Theme
Provide with a particular theme or motive;
The restaurant often themes its menus
Issue
(finance) Any financial instrument issued by a company.
The company's issues have included securities.
Issue
The loan of a book etc. from a library to a patron; all such loans by a given library during a given period.
Issue
The means or opportunity by which something flows or comes out, particularly:
Issue
A sewer.
Issue
The place where something flows or comes out, an outlet, particularly:
Issue
An exit from a room or building.
Issue
A confluence: the mouth of a river; the outlet of a lake or other body of water.
Issue
The action or an instance of sending something out, particularly:
The issue of the directive from the treasury prompted the central bank's most recent issue of currency.
Issue
A small incision, tear, or artificial ulcer, used to drain fluid and usually held open with a pea or other small object.
Issue
The production or distribution of something for general use.
Congress delegated the issue of US currency to the Federal Reserve in 1913.
Issue
The distribution of something (particularly rations or standardized provisions) to someone or some group.
The uniform was standard prison issue.
Issue
(finance) The action or an instance of a company selling bonds, stock, or other securities.
The company's stock issue diluted his ownership.
Issue
Any question or situation to be resolved, particularly:
Please stand by. We are having technical issues.
Issue
A point of law or fact in dispute or question in a legal action presented for resolution by the court.
The issue before the court is whether participation in a group blog makes the plaintiff a public figure under the relevant statute.
Issue
Anything in dispute, an area of disagreement whose resolution is being debated or decided.
For chrissakes, John, don't make an issue out of it. Just sleep on the floor if you want.
Issue
A dispute between two alternatives, a dilemma.
Issue
A psychological or emotional difficulty, any problem or concern considered as a vague and intractable difficulty.
She has daddy issues, mommy issues, drug issues, money issues, trust issues, printer issues... I'm just sayin', girl's got issues.
Issue
The action or an instance of concluding something, particularly:
Issue
The end of any action or process.
Issue
The end of any period of time.
Issue
The end result of an event or events, any result or outcome, particularly:
Issue
The result of a discussion or negotiation, an agreement.
Issue
The result of an investigation or consideration, a conclusion.
Issue
The action or an instance of feeling some emotion.
Issue
The action or an instance of leaving any state or condition.
Issue
To flow out, to proceed from, to come out or from.
The water issued forth from the spring.
The rents issuing from the land permitted him to live as a man of independent means.
Issue
To rush out, to sally forth.
The men issued from the town and attacked the besiegers.
Issue
To extend into, to open onto.
The road issues into the highway.
Issue
To turn out in a certain way, to result in.
Issue
(archaic) To end up as, to turn out being, to become as a result.
Issue
(legal) To come to a point in fact or law on which the parties join issue.
Issue
To send out; to put into circulation.
The Federal Reserve issues US dollars.
Issue
To deliver for use.
The prison issued new uniforms for the inmates.
Issue
To deliver by authority.
The court issued a writ of mandamus.
Issue
The act of sending out, or causing to go forth; delivery; issuance; as, the issue of an order from a commanding officer; the issue of money from a treasury.
Issue
That which passes, flows, or is sent out; the whole quantity sent forth or emitted at one time; as, an issue of bank notes; the daily issue of a newspaper.
Issue
Progeny; a child or children; offspring. In law, sometimes, in a general sense, all persons descended from a common ancestor; all lineal descendants.
If the kingShould without issue die.
Issue
Produce of the earth, or profits of land, tenements, or other property; as, A conveyed to B all his right for a term of years, with all the issues, rents, and profits.
Issue
An artificial ulcer, usually made in the fleshy part of the arm or leg, to produce the secretion and discharge of pus for the relief of some affected part.
Issue
The final outcome or result; upshot; conclusion; event; hence, contest; test; trial.
Come forth to viewThe issue of the exploit.
While it is hot, I 'll put it to the issue.
Issue
A point in debate or controversy on which the parties take affirmative and negative positions; a presentation of alternatives between which to choose or decide; a point of contention; a matter in controversy.
Issue
In pleading, a single material point of law or fact depending in the suit, which, being affirmed on the one side and denied on the other, is presented for determination. See General issue, under General, and Feigned issue, under Feigned.
As much at issue with the summer dayAs if you brought a candle out of doors.
Issue
To go out; to rush out; to sally forth; as, troops issued from the town, and attacked the besiegers.
Issue
To proceed, as from a source; as, water issues from springs; light issues from the sun.
Issue
To proceed, as progeny; to be derived; to be descended; to spring.
Of thy sons that shall issue from thee.
Issue
To extend; to pass or open; as, the path issues into the highway.
Issue
To be produced as an effect or result; to grow or accrue; to arise; to proceed; as, rents and profits issuing from land, tenements, or a capital stock.
Issue
To close; to end; to terminate; to turn out; as, we know not how the cause will issue.
Issue
In pleading, to come to a point in fact or law, on which the parties join issue.
Issue
To send out; to put into circulation; as, to issue notes from a bank.
Issue
To deliver for use; as, to issue provisions.
Issue
To send out officially; to deliver by authority; as, to issue an order; to issue a writ.
Issue
An important question that is in dispute and must be settled;
The issue could be settled by requiring public education for everyone
Politicians never discuss the real issues
Issue
One of a series published periodically;
She found an old issue of the magazine in her dentist's waitingroom
Issue
The provision of something by issuing it (usually in quantity);
A new issue of stamps
The last issue of penicillin was over a month ago
Issue
Some situation or event that is thought about;
He kept drifting off the topic
He had been thinking about the subject for several years
It is a matter for the police
Issue
Supplies (as food or clothing or ammunition) issued by the government
Issue
The immediate descendants of a person;
She was the mother of many offspring
He died without issue
Issue
A phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon;
The magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise
His decision had depressing consequences for business
He acted very wise after the event
Issue
The income arising from land or other property;
The average return was about 5%
Issue
The becoming visible;
Not a day's difference between the emergence of the andrenas and the opening of the willow catkins
Issue
An opening that permits escape or release;
He blocked the way out
The canyon had only one issue
Issue
The act of issuing printed materials
Issue
Prepare and issue for public distribution or sale;
Publish a magazine or newspaper
Issue
Circulate or distribute or equip with;
Issue a new uniform to the children
Supply blankets for the beds
Issue
Bring out an official document (such as a warrant)
Issue
Come out of;
Water issued from the hole in the wall
The words seemed to come out by themselves
Issue
Make out and issue;
Write out a check
Cut a ticket
Please make the check out to me
Common Curiosities
Why are themes important in narratives?
Themes are important because they add depth and meaning to a story, allowing readers to connect on a deeper level and reflect on universal human experiences and values.
What is an issue in literature?
In literature, an issue refers to a conflict or problem that characters must navigate or resolve, often reflecting broader societal concerns.
How do issues influence storytelling?
Issues can drive the plot, create conflict, and develop character arcs, making the story more engaging and reflective of real-world challenges.
How can one identify a theme in a narrative?
Identifying a theme involves looking for recurring ideas, messages, or moral questions that arise through characters, plot, and settings, often requiring analysis beyond the surface story.
How do themes contribute to the cultural significance of a narrative?
Themes contribute to the cultural significance of a narrative by reflecting, challenging, or reinforcing societal values and norms, often sparking discussion or inspiring change.
How is a theme different from a topic?
A theme is an underlying message or insight, while a topic is the subject matter or what the story is about. Themes delve deeper than topics, offering universal commentary.
Can a narrative have multiple themes?
Yes, narratives often explore multiple themes, providing a rich tapestry of ideas and insights into human experiences and societal values.
Can the same theme appear in different narratives?
Yes, the same theme can appear across various narratives, genres, and cultures, highlighting shared human concerns and values.
Do themes have to be moral or ethical?
Themes do not necessarily have to be moral or ethical; they can explore any aspect of human experience, including emotions, relationships, or personal growth.
Can themes in literature change over time?
The relevance and interpretation of themes in literature can evolve over time as societal values and concerns shift, demonstrating the dynamic relationship between literature and culture.
How are issues and themes used in educational settings?
Issues and themes are used in educational settings to develop critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of literature, society, and the human experience, encouraging students to engage with complex ideas and ethical dilemmas.
Can real-world issues be themes?
Real-world issues can be reflected in themes, especially when narratives aim to offer commentary or insight into societal, political, or ethical dilemmas.
Why might themes vary in interpretation?
Themes might vary in interpretation due to readers' personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and individual perspectives, allowing for diverse insights and discussions.
How do authors convey themes?
Authors convey themes through characters, dialogue, plot developments, settings, and symbolic elements, weaving them throughout the narrative to offer depth and insight.
Is it possible for an issue to become a theme?
An issue can be explored as a theme if it offers broader commentary on the human condition, societal norms, or universal experiences, transcending its specific context.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
