In a free major clause, topical Theme is the first experiential element of a clause, whether participant, circumstance or process.
It's that simple.
Any textual or interpersonal elements that precede the topical Theme are also thematic.
There is only one topical Theme to a clause.
No clause has both a marked a unmarked topical Theme.
A topical Theme is either marked or unmarked.
If a clause has a marked topical Theme, such as a circumstance, then it has no unmarked Theme.
Foolish
|
are
|
they who unquestioningly believe that Subject is always unmarked Theme
|
Theme: marked
|
Rheme
|
|
Complement
|
Finite
|
Subject
|
Wise
|
are
|
they who can think critically and are alert to the absurd consequences of poor theorising
|
Theme: marked
|
Rheme
|
|
Complement
|
Finite
|
Subject
|
