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Theme Definition: Uncovering the Core Ideas in Art, Literature, and Music

Definition: A theme is a central topic, subject, or idea that acts as a foundational element of a story, artwork, or piece of music. In literature, a theme is an underlying message or the main idea that is explored through the narrative and characters. Themes can also refer to recurring motifs in art and music, or the central focus of a conference, event, or exhibition.

Etymology and Origin: The word ‘theme’ comes from the Latin ‘thema’, which in turn is derived from the Greek ‘thema’, meaning ‘proposition’ or ‘subject’. Originally, it was used to denote a proposition in rhetoric or a subject of discourse. Over time, the term evolved to its current usage in various artistic and intellectual contexts, indicating the underlying subject matter or recurring idea.

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