Subject vs. Theme — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 15, 2024
Subject refers to the main topic or idea explored in a work, while theme denotes the underlying message or insight about life or human nature.
Difference Between Subject and Theme
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The subject of a literary work, film, or art piece is its primary focus or topic, such as love, war, or friendship. It is what the work is about on a basic level, serving as the foundation for the narrative or discussion. On the other hand, the theme is more abstract, representing the deeper meaning or main insight the work conveys about the subject. Themes often explore universal aspects of the human condition, such as the consequences of greed, the resilience of the human spirit, or the complexity of relationships.
While the subject is generally straightforward and can often be summed up in a single word or phrase, the theme requires interpretation and analysis to uncover. It is derived from how the subject is treated throughout the work, through the development of characters, plot, and setting. For instance, a novel's subject might be war, but its themes could include the futility of violence, the endurance of the human spirit in times of crisis, or the impact of conflict on personal identity.
The subject is usually identifiable early in the work and helps to guide the audience's expectations about what they will encounter. In contrast, the theme emerges more subtly, often becoming fully apparent only as the narrative unfolds or upon reflection after the entire work has been experienced. This distinction highlights the thematic depth that can be explored within a given subject, inviting readers or viewers to engage with the material on a more profound level.
Furthermore, while a work may have a single, clear subject, it can contain multiple themes, each offering different insights related to the subject matter. These themes can provide commentary on various aspects of life and human nature, making the work richer and more complex. The relationship between subject and theme is symbiotic: the subject provides a canvas for the theme's expression, and the theme, in turn, deepens the exploration of the subject.
The subject is the focal point around which a work is centered, easily identifiable and often concrete. The theme, however, is more nuanced and abstract, requiring thoughtful interpretation to reveal the deeper messages conveyed by the treatment of the subject. This distinction between subject and theme underscores the layers of meaning that can be found in creative works, enriching the audience's understanding and appreciation of the material.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The main topic or idea explored
The underlying message or insight
Nature
Concrete and straightforward
Abstract and interpretive
Identification
Easily identifiable, often early in work
Emerges through analysis and reflection
Example
War, love, friendship
Futility of violence, resilience of spirit
Function
Sets the groundwork for the narrative
Provides depth and insight into the subject
Complexity
Usually singular and clear
Can be multiple, offering varied insights
Relationship to Work
Guides audience expectations
Enriches and deepens understanding of the work
Representation
Through characters, plot, setting
Through treatment and development of the subject
Compare with Definitions
Subject
The primary topic or focus of a work.
The subject of the novel is the American Civil War.
Theme
The underlying message or insight conveyed by a work.
A recurring theme in her books is the strength found in vulnerability.
Subject
The overarching idea or storyline of a piece of writing, film, or artwork.
The subject of the poem is unrequited love.
Theme
The philosophical or moral questions examined within a work.
The story raises themes about the nature of freedom and choice.
Subject
The matter or theme under immediate consideration.
Today's lecture will have global warming as its subject.
Theme
The moral or lesson that can be drawn from a story or experience.
One of the themes of the play is that greed leads to downfall.
Subject
The specific area under discussion or portrayal.
His paintings often take nature as their subject.
Theme
A central idea that gives a work its meaning.
The theme of the movie revolves around redemption and forgiveness.
Subject
The central person, place, idea, or scenario being depicted or discussed.
The documentary's subject is the life of Marie Curie.
Theme
An abstract concept explored through the narrative.
The novel explores the theme of identity and self-discovery.
Subject
A person or thing that is being discussed, described, or dealt with
I've said all there is to be said on the subject
He's the subject of a major new biography
Theme
A topic of discourse or discussion.
Subject
A branch of knowledge studied or taught in a school, college, or university
Maths is not my best subject
Theme
A subject of artistic representation.
Subject
A member of a state other than its ruler, especially one owing allegiance to a monarch or other supreme ruler
The legislation is applicable only to British subjects
Theme
An implicit or recurrent idea; a motif
A party with a tropical island theme.
Subject
A noun or noun phrase functioning as one of the main components of a clause, being the element about which the rest of the clause is predicated.
Theme
A short composition assigned to a student as a writing exercise.
Subject
A thinking or feeling entity; the conscious mind; the ego, especially as opposed to anything external to the mind.
Theme
(Music) A recurring melodic element in a composition, especially a melody forming the basis of a set of variations.
Subject
Likely or prone to be affected by (a particular condition or occurrence, typically an unwelcome or unpleasant one)
He was subject to bouts of manic depression
Theme
See topic.
Subject
Dependent or conditional upon
The proposed merger is subject to the approval of the shareholders
Theme
A stem.
Subject
Under the authority of
Ministers are subject to the laws of the land
Theme
A subject, now especially of a talk or an artistic piece; a topic.
Subject
Conditionally upon
Subject to the EC's agreement, we intend to set up an enterprise zone in the area
Theme
A recurring idea; a motif.
Subject
Cause or force someone or something to undergo (a particular experience or form of treatment, typically an unwelcome or unpleasant one)
He'd subjected her to a terrifying ordeal
Theme
A concept with multiple instantiations.
Variations on the theme of entrepreneurial resourcefulness
Subject
Bring (a person or country) under one's control or jurisdiction, typically by using force
The city had been subjected to Macedonian rule
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
Subject
Being in a position or in circumstances that place one under the power or authority of another or others
Subject to the law.
Theme
(dated) An essay written for school.
Subject
Prone; disposed
A child who is subject to colds.
Theme
(music) The main melody of a piece of music, especially one that is the source of variations.
Subject
Likely to incur or receive; exposed
A directive subject to misinterpretation.
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.
Subject
Contingent or dependent
A vacation subject to changing weather.
Theme
(grammar) The stem of a word.
Subject
One who is under the rule of another or others, especially one who owes allegiance to a government or ruler.
Theme
(linguistics) thematic relation of a noun phrase to a verb.
Subject
One concerning which something is said or done; a person or thing being discussed or dealt with
A subject of gossip.
Theme
(linguistics) Theta role in generative grammar and government and binding theory.
Subject
Something that is treated or indicated in a work of art.
Theme
(linguistics) Topic, what is generally being talked about, as opposed to rheme.
Subject
(Music) A theme of a composition, especially a fugue.
Theme
A regional unit of organisation in the Byzantine empire.
Subject
A course or area of study
Math is her best subject.
Theme
(transitive) To give a theme to.
We themed the birthday party around superheroes.
Subject
A basis for action; a cause.
Theme
To apply a theme to; to change the visual appearance and/or layout of (software).
Subject
One that experiences or is subjected to something
The subject of ridicule.
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.
Subject
A person or animal that is the object of medical or scientific study
The experiment involved 12 subjects.
Theme
Discourse on a certain subject.
Then ran repentance and rehearsed his theme.
It was the subject of my theme.
Subject
A corpse intended for anatomical study and dissection.
Theme
A composition or essay required of a pupil.
Subject
One who is under surveillance
The subject was observed leaving the scene of the murder.
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.
Subject
(Grammar) The noun, noun phrase, or pronoun in a sentence or clause that denotes the doer of the action or what is described by the predicate.
Theme
That by means of which a thing is done; means; instrument.
Subject
(Logic) The term of a proposition about which something is affirmed or denied.
Theme
The leading subject of a composition or a movement.
Subject
The mind or thinking part as distinguished from the object of thought.
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
Subject
A being that undergoes personal conscious or unconscious experience of itself and of the world.
Theme
A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work;
It was the usual `boy gets girl' theme
Subject
The essential nature or substance of something as distinguished from its attributes.
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
Subject
To cause to experience, undergo, or be acted upon
Suspects subjected to interrogation.
Rocks subjected to intense pressure.
Theme
An essay (especially one written as an assignment);
He got an A on his composition
Subject
To subjugate; subdue.
Theme
(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed;
Thematic vowels are part of the stem
Subject
To submit to the authority of
Peoples that subjected themselves to the emperor.
Theme
Provide with a particular theme or motive;
The restaurant often themes its menus
Subject
Likely to be affected by or to experience something.
A country subject to extreme heat
Menu listings and prices are subject to change.
He's subject to sneezing fits.
Subject
Conditional upon something; used with to.
The local board sets local policy, subject to approval from the State Board.
Subject
Placed or situated under; lying below, or in a lower situation.
Subject
Placed under the power of another; owing allegiance to a particular sovereign or state.
Subject
(grammar) In a clause: the word or word group (usually a noun phrase) about whom the statement is made. In active clauses with verbs denoting an action, the subject and the actor are usually the same.
In the sentence ‘The cat ate the mouse’, ‘the cat’ is the subject, ‘the mouse’ being the object.
Subject
An actor; one who takes action.
The subjects and objects of power.
Subject
The main topic of a paper, work of art, discussion, field of study, etc.
Subject
A particular area of study.
Her favorite subject is physics.
Subject
A citizen in a monarchy.
I am a British subject.
Subject
A person ruled over by another, especially a monarch or state authority.
Subject
(music) The main theme or melody, especially in a fugue.
Subject
A human, animal or an inanimate object that is being examined, treated, analysed, etc.
Subject
(philosophy) A being that has subjective experiences, subjective consciousness, or a relationship with another entity.
Subject
(logic) That of which something is stated.
Subject
(math) The variable in terms of which an expression is defined.
0, we have x
Subject
To cause (someone or something) to undergo a particular experience, especially one that is unpleasant or unwanted.
I came here to buy souvenirs, not to be subjected to a tirade of abuse!
Subject
(transitive) To make subordinate or subservient; to subdue or enslave.
Subject
Placed or situated under; lying below, or in a lower situation.
Subject
Placed under the power of another; specifically (International Law), owing allegiance to a particular sovereign or state; as, Jamaica is subject to Great Britain.
Esau was never subject to Jacob.
Subject
Exposed; liable; prone; disposed; as, a country subject to extreme heat; men subject to temptation.
All human things are subject to decay.
Subject
Obedient; submissive.
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities.
Subject
That which is placed under the authority, dominion, control, or influence of something else.
Subject
Specifically: One who is under the authority of a ruler and is governed by his laws; one who owes allegiance to a sovereign or a sovereign state; as, a subject of Queen Victoria; a British subject; a subject of the United States.
Was never subject longed to be a king,As I do long and wish to be a subject.
The subject must obey his prince, because God commands it, human laws require it.
Subject
That which is brought under thought or examination; that which is taken up for discussion, or concerning which anything is said or done.
Make choice of a subject, beautiful and noble, which . . . shall afford an ample field of matter wherein to expatiate.
The unhappy subject of these quarrels.
Subject
The person who is treated of; the hero of a piece; the chief character.
Writers of particular lives . . . are apt to be prejudiced in favor of their subject.
Subject
That of which anything is affirmed or predicated; the theme of a proposition or discourse; that which is spoken of; as, the nominative case is the subject of the verb.
The subject of a proposition is that concerning which anything is affirmed or denied.
Subject
That in which any quality, attribute, or relation, whether spiritual or material, inheres, or to which any of these appertain; substance; substratum.
That which manifests its qualities - in other words, that in which the appearing causes inhere, that to which they belong - is called their subject or substance, or substratum.
Subject
The principal theme, or leading thought or phrase, on which a composition or a movement is based.
The earliest known form of subject is the ecclesiastical cantus firmus, or plain song.
Subject
The incident, scene, figure, group, etc., which it is the aim of the artist to represent.
Subject
To bring under control, power, or dominion; to make subject; to subordinate; to subdue.
Firmness of mind that subjects every gratification of sense to the rule of right reason.
In one short view subjected to our eye,Gods, emperors, heroes, sages, beauties, lie.
He is the most subjected, the most nslaved, who is so in his understanding.
Subject
To expose; to make obnoxious or liable; as, credulity subjects a person to impositions.
Subject
To submit; to make accountable.
God is not bound to subject his ways of operation to the scrutiny of our thoughts.
Subject
To make subservient.
Subjected to his service angel wings.
Subject
To cause to undergo; as, to subject a substance to a white heat; to subject a person to a rigid test.
Subject
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
Subject
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
Subject
A branch of knowledge;
In what discipline is his doctorate?
Teachers should be well trained in their subject
Anthropology is the study of human beings
Subject
Something (a person or object or scene) selected by an artist or photographer for graphic representation;
A moving picture of a train is more dramatic than a still picture of the same subject
Subject
A person who is subjected to experimental or other observational procedures; someone who is an object of investigation;
The subjects for this investigation were selected randomly
The cases that we studied were drawn from two different communities
Subject
A person who owes allegiance to that nation;
A monarch has a duty to his subjects
Subject
(grammar) one of the two main constituents of a sentence; the grammatical constituent about which something is predicated
Subject
(logic) the first term of a proposition
Subject
Cause to experience or suffer or make liable or vulnerable to;
He subjected me to his awful poetry
The sergeant subjected the new recruits to many drills
People in Chernobyl were subjected to radiation
Subject
Make accountable for;
He did not want to subject himself to the judgments of his superiors
Subject
Make subservient; force to submit or subdue
Subject
Refer for judgment or consideration;
She submitted a proposal to the agency
Subject
Not exempt from tax;
The gift will be subject to taxation
Subject
Possibly accepting or permitting;
A passage capable of misinterpretation
Open to interpretation
An issue open to question
The time is fixed by the director and players and therefore subject to much variation
Subject
Being under the power or sovereignty of another or others;
Subject peoples
A dependent prince
Common Curiosities
Why is the theme important in literature or art?
The theme provides depth and enriches the audience's understanding of the work, inviting reflection on broader questions of life and human nature.
How is the theme different from the subject?
The theme is an underlying message or insight about life or human nature that emerges from how the subject is treated in the work.
How do subject and theme contribute to the meaning of a work?
The subject sets the stage for the narrative, while the theme deepens the exploration of the subject, together enriching the work's meaning.
How can I identify the subject of a work?
The subject can usually be identified by considering the main topic or focus around which the work is centered.
Is the subject always explicit in a work?
The subject is generally explicit and identifiable early on, serving as the foundation for the narrative.
Can a work have multiple themes?
Yes, a work can explore multiple themes, offering various insights related to its subject.
Do all works of art or literature have a clear theme?
While most works aim to convey deeper messages or insights, the clarity and presence of a theme can vary and may require interpretation.
How does the theme emerge in a work?
The theme emerges subtly through the development of the plot, characters, and setting, and is often fully understood upon reflection.
Is it possible for the theme to change the perception of the subject?
Yes, the way a theme is explored can offer new perspectives on the subject, potentially changing how it is perceived.
Can a non-fiction work have themes?
Yes, non-fiction works can also explore themes, particularly those dealing with philosophical, ethical, or social issues.
Can the same subject have different themes in different works?
Yes, different works can explore different themes even if they share the same subject, reflecting the creator's unique perspective.
How can understanding the theme enhance the experience of a work?
Understanding the theme can provide deeper insight into the work's message, enhancing appreciation and prompting personal reflection.
Can the audience interpret themes differently?
Yes, themes can be subject to individual interpretation, leading to diverse perspectives and discussions about the work.
How are themes conveyed in abstract art?
In abstract art, themes may be conveyed through color, form, and composition, inviting interpretation based on emotional or conceptual response.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
