An abstract concept made real/concrete through representation in person, action, and/or image. A theme is not just a subject/thing or verb/action/activity. For instance, adultery is a "thing" and of itself it cannot be a theme. However, the notion that "while adultery is generally viewed as being sinful, good can come of it" could be a theme. Similarly, "truth" is a thing, an abstract concept. It can be a theme when we suggest that "searching out the truth is not always a noble act." You can think of theme much as if it is a claim to be demonstrated or articulated through a piece of literature as it unfolds.