The Thought Occurs

Friday 23 December 2016

How To Identify Topical Theme

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