Theme is most often seen as a central truth about human experience or condition and while this primary focus may be defined as the dominant idea a literary work presents, many possibilities may rise in the reading.  Pinning down just ONE theme for a work is unrealistic.  The task of the writer who is analyzing theme lies primarily in defining possible "dominant ideas" and then selecting the one she feels most prevalent in the work.  

In class, we discovered that the essayist's connection to the story also impacts recognition of the work's focus--what she knows and has experienced affect the "reading" of those overarching elements.

Now, in shifting this focus to your beginning an analysis of theme, keep in mind that those "overarching ideas" will be revealed in several aspects throughout the story.  Often, as you examine and re-read a work, you will find specific "clues" to a central idea.  Perhaps it is a character's sudden awareness of a situation or of her action and the result.  It may be the presence of persistent images (as we saw in Owens's poem "Arms and the Boy") or the dialogue of a character that suggests the central thought.

Remember as well that revealing the theme does not mean retelling the story but rather supporting that dominant idea through reference to the work--show how the theme can be traced throughout the story. 

How does the author present the theme?  Is the idea brought out in a particular character's actions and reactions?  Do related events in the plot or persistent images emphasize the theme? These answers will help you form the path of your essay.

Again, answer the questions of "What do you see and where do you see it?"