Main Idea

Main Idea Definition
Main Idea includes the overall message of the textual content that a writer intends to carry to the audience. Almost all genres of literature have one or two main ideas in them. However, the main concept in literature is not limited to at least one sentence or paragraph; instead, it develops and grows at some point of the text. It works as the central, unifying element of the story which ties together all other elements. In this sense, it may be quality defined because the dominant affect or the generic fact incorporated inside the literary piece. Etymologically, the central concept is the word of words ‘main’ and ‘idea.’ The meaning is apparent that it's miles the most vital idea of a text which permits the readers to understand the layered meanings of the involved text.

Examples Main Idea from Literature
Example #1
“A Red, Red Rose” by way of Robert Burns

“O my Luve is sort of a red, crimson rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my Luve is just like the melody
That’s sweetly performed in tune.
So truthful art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ existence shall run.

And fare thee weel, my most effective luve!
And fare thee weel awhile!
And I will come again, my luve,
Though it had been 10000 mile.”

This is considered one of the famous poems of Robert Burns, a famend Scottish poet, and lyricist. The poem illustrates the intense love of the speaker for his liked. The central concept of the poem is love, which the author has declared within the establishing lines. However, he further supports this concept with the aid of comparing his loved with a crimson rose. He has additionally hired literary elements to make the readers recognize his version of love. To him, beauty is transitory, but his love is holy and eternal. Thus, the central idea performs a terrific function in advancing the motion of this poem.

Example #2
Invictus by way of William Ernest Henley

Out of the night time that covers me,
Black because the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods might also be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell take hold of of circumstance
I have no longer winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this vicinity of wrath and tears
Looms however the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall discover me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the grasp of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.

The poem, having a creative expression, became composed to demonstrate the courageous stance of a person in unfortunate circumstances. The main concept of the poem is the resilience of human spirit inside the face of miseries and challenges of existence. Despite having troubles and unfavourable circumstances, the speaker holds his spirit high and face the tough time of his life bravely. His optimism and ability to overcome the adversity makes him stronger as he calls himself the grasp of his fate. He isn't always terrified of the issues and, this notion enables him to triumph over any impediment that involves his way. Therefore, courage makes up the main idea of the poem.

Example #3
SCENE I. A desert region. (Macbeth via William Shakespeare, Act I, Scene I)
Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches
First Witch
When shall we 3 meet again
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
Second Witch
When the hurlyburly’s done,
When the battle’s misplaced and won.
Third Witch
That will be ere the set of sun.
First Witch
Where the place?
Second Witch
Upon the heath.
Third Witch
There to meet with Macbeth.
First Witch
I come, Graymalkin!
Second Witch
Paddock calls.
Third Witch
Anon.
ALL
Fair is foul, and foul is truthful:
Hover via the fog and filthy air.

This extract has been taken from one among the well-known plays of Shakespeare, Macbeth. This is the hole scene of Macbeth in which three witches discuss their next meeting point, where they plan to look Macbeth. This establishing scene not best units the tone of the play however additionally highlights the habitual motif of the supernatural creatures. The target market immediately gets an idea that the textual content is about the evil and foul play.

Main Idea Meaning and Function
Main idea serves because the pause for the target audience. It presents them an possibility to apprehend the writer’s intention or the cause for his writing. It additionally makes them apprehend and appreciate the deeper meanings of the texts. The writers additionally use it as a tool that permits them to challenge their inner thoughts and convince the readers. Moreover, some of the academic writings unconsciously instill main ideas into the unconscious of the readers with ulterior motives which can be suitable or bad.

Lyric Poem Malapropism