The Theme – Rheme Model

Theme – rheme theory: a brief introduction
The term “Theme” is first put forward by Mathesius, a linguist of the Prague school and developed by Halliday and many other linguists.
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According to Mathesius, any sentence can be semantically devided into parts: Theme and Rheme.
Halliday argues that the Theme is the starting point of the message chosen by the speaker/writer. Rheme is the remaining part that develops theme.

Definitions Of Theme And Rheme
Theme
Rheme

Theme in the clause: Hallidayan Model
• Theme: “what the clause is about”
• In English, the first constituent of the
clause:
John loves Mary
Mary is loved by John
• The rest of the clause is called the Rheme

Theme in the clause: Berry’s Model
• Main difference in Berry’s model: Distinguishes
between:
– “Basic Theme” (the Subject)
– “Additional Theme” (any fronted Adjuncts)
On a clear day, you can see forever.
Halliday:
On a clear day, you can see forever.
Berry:

Types of Theme
Your Text Here
Your Text Here
Your Text Here
.
Subject Theme (Unmarked theme)
I am writing a poem.
Adjunct Theme (Partially marked)
On a clear day, you can see forever.
Fronted Objects and Complements (Marked Themes)
Fish I like.
Letters I am writing to my friends.

Theme in different mood of a clause
Theme in declarative sentences
Theme in exclamative clauses
Theme in interrogative sentences
Theme in imperative sentences

Theme in declarative sentences
- Unmarked (Theme = Subject)
a.The two Indians stood waiting.
b.The Indian who was rowing them was working very hard.
c.Of course it’s an accident.
- Marked (Theme =/Subject): A Theme that is something other than the subject, in a declarative clause, we shall refer to as a marked theme.
a.Across the bay they found the other boat.
b.What she had felt he never knew.
The most usual form of marked Theme is an adverbial group, such as today, suddenly…, or prepositional phrase, such as at night, in the corner, without much hope, functioning as adjunct in the clause.

Theme in exclamative clauses
Theme in exclamative clauses: WH-element as Theme, normally nominal group oradverbial group functions as exclamative (WH-) element.
How cheerfully
he seems to grin!
What tremendously easy questions
you ask!

Theme in interrogative sentences
in here
The natural theme of a question is‘what I want to know’.
Polarity (yes/no) questions: unmarked Theme = finite + Subject (What the speaker wants toknow is the polarity ‘yes or no?’). Normally, the first word (finite operator) of verbal group together with nominal group functions as Subject.
Are you interested in Syntax?
Would you like a cup of tea?
Wh-questions: unmarked Theme = Wh-word (What the speaker wants to know is theidentity of some element in the content.) Nominal group, adverbial group or prepositionalphrase functions as interrogative (WH-) element
a. What are you doing here?
b. Then, in the name of goodness, why does she bother?
c. Which platform does it leave from?
Marked Theme choices are relatively rare with questions, please see the following sentence.
After the party, where did you go?

Theme in imperative sentences
The imperative is the only type of clause in which the Predicator (the verb) is regularly found as Theme. Verbal group functions as Predicator, pluspreceding don’t if negative.
Wake me up before the coffee break.
Don’t disturb me while I’m taking a nap.
Let’s have a look at this recipe.
Please stop it.

Theme in clause complexes
As the universe expended, the temperature of the radiation decreased.
There are two different ways of analysing of the dependent clause and each captures differentaspect of what is going on.

Textual theme, functioning to relate the meaning of the particular clause to other parts of the text.
Multiple Themes
Interpersonal theme, often functioning to code the speaker’s or writer’s personal judgementon meaning.
Topical theme, functioning as the point of orientation for the experiential meanings of the clause.