Subject vs Theme
Subject and Theme are often confused in their usage and connotations, as many people believe there is no distinction between them. However, there is a slight difference between the two terms that should be understood. The word “subject” generally refers to a ‘niche’ or ‘branch of knowledge,’ while “theme” usually refers to ‘the central point’ of a subject or topic. In this article, we will discuss the usage and examples of both subject and theme.
What is a Subject?
The term “subject” denotes a ‘niche’ or ‘branch of knowledge.’ Consider the following sentences:
1. He is a specialist in the subject.
2. She learned the subject very well.
In both sentences, “subject” is used to mean ‘niche’ or ‘branch of knowledge.’ Thus, the first sentence means ‘he is a specialist in the niche,’ and the second means ‘she learned the branch of knowledge very well’. It is worth noting that “subject” is sometimes used to mean ‘text of study,’ especially in schools and colleges.
What is a Theme?
The term “theme” refers to ‘the central point’ of a subject or topic. Observe the following sentences:
1. The theme of the poem was good.
2. It was difficult to understand the theme of the talk.
In both sentences, “theme” is used to mean ‘central idea or point.’ Therefore, the first sentence means ‘the central idea of the poem was good,’ and the second means ‘it was difficult to understand the central point of the talk.’ This is the primary difference between “subject” and “theme.”
Moreover, “theme” has figurative usage in addition to its ordinary usage. Expressions like ‘musical theme’ and ‘theme music’ are commonly heard. In these expressions, the first one, “musical theme,” refers to the central idea of an event or similar occasion. For example:
Our prom was organized to a musical theme.
Sometimes, “theme” is used in phrases like ‘wild west theme park,’ which refers to a place designed to evoke the cowboy era in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- The word “subject” generally refers to a ‘niche’ or ‘branch of knowledge.’
- The word “theme” usually refers to ‘the central point’ of a subject or topic, and this is the main difference between subject and theme.
- “Subject” is sometimes used to mean ‘text of study,’ while “theme” has figurative usage in addition to its ordinary usage.
