lakeesha Hennessy Williams answered
The term 'theme' is usually used in literature, and often relates to the meaning or idea that drives a story.
Determining a topic, on the other hand, involves figuring out the subject that a piece of writing examines.
The two principles are very similar, which is why they often get confused.
The difference between theme and topic.
The best way to explain the difference between these two words would be to use an example:
If someone was writing an article about dog toys, then 'dogs' could be seen as the topic of the piece because it is the general category that the article would fit into.
However, the theme of the article might actually be something like, 'the best dog toys on the market'.
In general, the idea of 'topic' is not used in a literary context. When analyzing a literary piece of work, the term 'theme' is preferred because it portrays the usually complex and interlinked subjects that literature deals with.
On the other hand, factual writing (such as that used for reference) is often categorized - in which case it makes sense to look for a broader 'topic' under which a body of writing can be classified.
Determining a topic, on the other hand, involves figuring out the subject that a piece of writing examines.
The two principles are very similar, which is why they often get confused.
The difference between theme and topic.
The best way to explain the difference between these two words would be to use an example:
If someone was writing an article about dog toys, then 'dogs' could be seen as the topic of the piece because it is the general category that the article would fit into.
However, the theme of the article might actually be something like, 'the best dog toys on the market'.
In general, the idea of 'topic' is not used in a literary context. When analyzing a literary piece of work, the term 'theme' is preferred because it portrays the usually complex and interlinked subjects that literature deals with.
On the other hand, factual writing (such as that used for reference) is often categorized - in which case it makes sense to look for a broader 'topic' under which a body of writing can be classified.
