Agency

Choice

Theme evolution

Author intention

MYP English Lang & Lit Theme Evolution Notes

Why Do Themes Evolve?

Definition

Theme

A central idea about life or human experience that a text explores and develops through plot, character, setting, and language choices.

Themes evolve because stories put ideas under pressure.

The author designs a situation where an idea must be lived through:

A character begins with a belief, habit, fear, or identity.
A conflict disrupts their normal life.
The character responds (well or badly), and consequences follow.
The ending reveals what has changed, what has been learned, or what remains unresolved.

This is why authors often use the theme of personal growth: it naturally fits story movement.

If the character changes, the theme becomes clearer.

Common Mistake

A theme is not the same as a topic.
The topic might be "growing up," but the theme is what the story suggests about growing up.
For example:
- "We grow through challenges," or
- "Growing up requires letting go of what feels safe."
Both are claims about human experience, something more specific within the topic of "growing up."

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Definition

Paywall

(on a website) an arrangement whereby access is restricted to users who have paid to subscribe to the site.

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MYP English Lang & Lit Theme Evolution Notes

Why Do Themes Evolve?

How Does Structure Provide The "Timeline" For Theme Development?

Why Is Character The Main "Carrier" Of Theme Evolution?

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Why Do Themes Evolve?

How Does Structure Provide The "Timeline" For Theme Development?

Why Is Character The Main "Carrier" Of Theme Evolution?

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

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Characterization and Human Behaviour5 subtopics

Dramatic Writing and Performance Techniques 4 subtopics

Narrative Perspective and Voice4 subtopics

Poetic Form and Expressive Techniques4 subtopics

Short Story Structure and Theme4 subtopics

Critical Reading and Media Interpretation4 subtopics

Travel Writing and Descriptive Craft3 subtopics

Ethical Reasoning in Texts3 subtopics

Argumentation and Persuasive Writing4 subtopics

Relationships and Interpersonal Themes3 subtopics

Duality, Conflict and Symbolism2 subtopics

Responsibility, Agency and Theme Development4 subtopics

MYP English Lang & Lit Theme Evolution Notes

Characterization and Human Behaviour5 subtopics

Dramatic Writing and Performance Techniques 4 subtopics

Narrative Perspective and Voice4 subtopics

Poetic Form and Expressive Techniques4 subtopics

Short Story Structure and Theme4 subtopics

Critical Reading and Media Interpretation4 subtopics

Travel Writing and Descriptive Craft3 subtopics

Ethical Reasoning in Texts3 subtopics

Argumentation and Persuasive Writing4 subtopics

Relationships and Interpersonal Themes3 subtopics

Duality, Conflict and Symbolism2 subtopics

Responsibility, Agency and Theme Development4 subtopics

Why Do Themes Evolve?

How Does Structure Provide The "Timeline" For Theme Development?

Why Is Character The Main "Carrier" Of Theme Evolution?

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account

Why Do Themes Evolve?

How Does Structure Provide The "Timeline" For Theme Development?

Why Is Character The Main "Carrier" Of Theme Evolution?

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account