10.5 The Textual Metafunction: Theme and Rheme
The Textual Metafunction is concerned with how language organizes information within a clause and across a text to create a coherent and cohesive message. It's about making the text flow smoothly and logically for the reader or listener. The primary system realizing this metafunction is Theme-Rheme structure.
5.1. Theme
The Theme is the starting point of a message; it is "what the clause is about." It sets up the context for the rest of the message and signals to the reader/listener what information is coming next. The Theme typically occupies the first position in the clause.
Types of Theme:
Topical Theme: This is the experiential element of the Theme, representing a participant, process, or circumstance. Every clause must have a Topical Theme.
The old house (Topical Theme) stood on the hill.
Yesterday (Topical Theme) we went to the beach.
To swim (Topical Theme) is my favorite activity.
Textual Theme: These themes create cohesion with previous parts of the text. They include:
Conjunctions: and, but, so, therefore, however, although.
However (Textual Theme), the weather changed.
Continuatives: yes, no, well, oh, now.
Well (Textual Theme), let's see.
Wh-relative pronouns (in dependent clauses): who, which, where.
*This is the place where (Textual Theme) we met.
Interpersonal Theme: These themes express the speaker's attitude or relationship with the listener. They include:
Vocatives: Names or terms of address (e.g., John, Mary).
John (Interpersonal Theme), could you help me?
Modal Adjuncts: Words expressing probability, usuality, obligation, or attitude (e.g., perhaps, surely, frankly, honestly).
Perhaps (Interpersonal Theme) it will rain.
Finite verbal operators (in interrogatives): is, did, will, can.
Can (Interpersonal Theme) you hear me?
A clause can have multiple Themes, always appearing in the order: Interpersonal ^ Textual ^ Topical.
Example:
Well (Textual Theme), frankly (Interpersonal Theme), I (Topical Theme) don't agree.
5.2. Rheme
The Rheme is the rest of the message, providing new information about the Theme. It is what the speaker/writer wants to say about the starting point. The Rheme is the part of the clause that typically carries the communicative burden.
Example of Theme and Rheme Analysis:
Clause | Theme | Rheme |
|---|---|---|
The cat sat on the mat. | The cat (Topical) | sat on the mat. |
On the mat sat the cat. | On the mat (Topical) | sat the cat. |
However, she didn't come. | However (Textual), she (Topical) | didn't come. |
Will you join us? | Will (Interpersonal), you (Topical) | join us? |
Frankly, I think he's wrong. | Frankly (Interpersonal), I (Topical) | think he's wrong. |
5.3. Thematic Progression
The way Themes are organized across a text is called thematic progression. This refers to how the information flows from one clause to the next, contributing to the overall coherence of the text. Common patterns include:
Constant Theme Progression: The same Theme is maintained across several clauses.
The dog barked. It ran to the fence. It wagged its tail.
Simple Linear Progression: The Rheme of one clause becomes the Theme of the next.
I bought a new book. The book is about history. History is my favorite subject.
Understanding Theme and Rheme is crucial for analyzing how information is structured and presented in a text, and how writers guide their readers through their message.