The following question references the novel The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane.
What is the difference between subject and theme? How is theme communicated in a novel? Minimum 4 sentences.
Subject and theme are distinct concepts in literary analysis. The subject of a novel is the main topic or series of events around which the story revolves, often described in just a few words or a phrase. In "The Red Badge of Courage," for example, the subject is the experiences of a young Union soldier in the American Civil War, including his struggles with fear and courage.
Theme, on the other hand, refers to the underlying message, idea, or insight that the writer explores through the narrative. It's a universal concept that the novel examines, often implied rather than explicitly stated. "The Red Badge of Courage" explores themes such as the nature of courage, the impact of war on individuals, and the contrast between romanticized expectations of war and its harsh realities.
Theme is communicated in a novel through various literary devices such as characters, their development, dialogue, plot events, setting, and symbols. In "The Red Badge of Courage," for example, Crane communicates themes through the protagonist's internal conflict and evolving perception of bravery, metaphorical language, and the vivid depiction of battlefield scenes. The evolution of the protagonist's understanding of courage reflects the author's exploration into what true bravery means in the face of life-and-death circumstances.