4.2.1 Ideational Topical Theme
Ideational Theme is also called Topical Theme. It is coded by the first element of the transitivity system. It can be a participant, process, or circumstance.
Ideational or Topical Theme can be divided into two kinds; they are marked Theme and unmarked Theme. The main principle in identifying the Theme of the clause is
that a clause must contain one, and only one Topical Theme. Once the Topical Theme in the clause have been identified, all the remaining clause constituents can
be consigned to the Rheme role. Below are the data and the analysis of Topical Themes found in advertisements in People Magazine:
1. See brighter, firmer eyes in just one week. Olay
See brighter, firmer eyes’ in just one week.
Topical RHEME
THEME
The clause above consists of Topical Theme for the imperative clause. The word ’see’ is as the Topical Theme. It is called marked Theme because the Theme
does not take role as the subject of the clause. The Rheme is “brighter, firmer eyes in just one week” which is the new items in the clause.
2. Gently, dap the cream around your eyes to soften the appearance of lines and
smooth the look of the lids. Olay Gently
dap the cream around your eyes to soften the appearance of lines
and smooth the look of the lids Topical
RHEME THEME
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This clause consists of Topical Theme. The clause above begins with the Topical Theme which is realized by the “Gently”. It is a marked Theme as it is an
adverb and not the subject of the clause. It is followed by “the cream around your eyes to soften the appearance of lines and smooth the look of the lids” that is the
Rheme.
3. It all starts with Olay Regenerist Eye and Lash Duo Olay Regenerist Eye and
Lash Duo it all
starts with Olay Regenerist Eye and Lash Duo Topical
RHEME THEME
This clause consists of Topical Theme. The clause above begins with the Topical Theme which is realized by the “it all”. It is an unmarked Theme as it is
pronoun and the subject of the clause. The rest of the clause, “starts with Olay Regenerist Eye and Lash Duo” is the Rheme.
4. Finish the look with a dab of cream blush and glossy lip. Olay Regenerist Eye
and Lash Duo Finish
the look with a dab of cream blush and glossy lip.
Topical RHEME
THEME
The clause above consists of Topical Theme for the imperative clause. The word ‘finish’ is as the Topical Theme. It is called marked Theme because the Theme
does not take role as the subject of the clause. The Rheme is “the look with a dab of cream blush and glossy lip” which is the new items in the clause.
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5. Some people find nails enamels irritating- not just on their hand, but all around
their eyes. Clinique
Some people find nails enamels irritating- not just on their hand, but all
around their eyes.
Topical RHEME
THEME
This clause consists of Topical Theme. The clause above begins with the Topical Theme which is realized by the “some people”. It is an unmarked Theme as
it is noun and the subject of the clause. It is followed by “find nails enamels irritating- not just on their hand, but all around their eyes” which is the Rheme.
6. For a long time this mouth was slammed to Miracle Whip Miracle Whip
For a long time
this mouth was slammed to Miracle Whip Topical
RHEME THEME
This clause consists of Topical Theme. The clause above begins with the Topical Theme which is realized by the “for a long time”. It is a marked Theme
because it is adjunct circumstantial giving information of time. It is followed by “this mouth was slammed to Miracle Whip” which is the Rheme.
7. Exclusive Active Naturals Total Formula is proven to improve: tone, texture,
blotchiness, dullness, brown spots. Aveeno Exclusive Active Naturals Total Formula
is proven to improve: tone, texture,
blotchiness, dullness, brown spots. Topical
RHEME THEME
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This clause consists of Topical Theme. The clause above begins with the Topical Theme which is realized by the “Exclusive Active Naturals Total Formula”.
It is an unmarked Theme because it is nominal group and takes role as the subject of the clause. It is followed by “is proven to improve: tone, texture, blotchiness,
dullness, brown spots” which is the Rheme.
8. The Gerber Generation has a firm grasp on nutrition. The Gerber Generation
The Gerber Generation has a firm grasp on nutrition.
Topical RHEME
THEME
This clause consists of Topical Theme. The clause above begins with the Topical Theme which is realized by the “The Gerber Generation”. It is an unmarked
Theme because it is the name of the product and takes role as the subject of the clause. It is followed by “has a firm grasp on nutrition” which is the Rheme.
9. You’re one spectacular person. AIsaos
You are one spectacular person.
Topical RHEME
THEME
This clause consists of Topical Theme. The clause above begins with the Topical Theme which is realized by the “You”. It is an unmarked Theme as it is
pronoun and the subject of the clause. The rest of the clause, “are one spectacular person” which is the Rheme.
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10. Try Biotrue. Biotrue.
Try Biotrue.
Topical RHEME
THEME
The clause above consists of Topical Theme for the imperative clause. The word ’try’ is as the Topical Theme. It is marked Theme because the Theme does not
take role as the subject of the clause. The Rheme is “Biotrue.” which is the new items in the clause.
11. The Dreyer’s Fruits Bar you know and love are now called Outshine bars.
Outshine The Dreyer’s Fruits Bar you
know and love are now called Outshine bars.
Topical RHEME
THEME
This clause consists of Topical Theme. The clause above begins with the Topical Theme which is realized by the “The Dreyer’s Fruits Bar you know and
love”. It is an unmarked Theme because it is a nominalization and takes role as the subject of the clause. It is followed by “are now called Outshine bars” which is the
Rheme.
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12. Kell, Ripa and QVC Program Host Lisa Robertson know that ovarian cancer
often disguises itself as other illness. Ovarian Kell, Ripa and QVC
Program Host Lisa Robertson
know that ovarian cancer often disguises itself as other illness.
Topical RHEME
THEME
This clause consists of Topical Theme. The clause above begins with the Topical Theme which is realized by the “Kell, Ripa and QVC Program Host Lisa
Robertson”. It is an unmarked Theme because it is takes role as the subject of the clause. It is followed by “know that ovarian cancer often disguises itself as other
illness” which is the Rheme.
13. Banana Boat Protect and Hydrate provides all-day moisture with broad spectrum
UVAUVB protection and aloe vera. Banana Boat Protect and Hydrate Banana Boat Protect and
Hydrate provides all-day moisture with broad spectrum
UVAUVB protection and aloe vera.
Topical RHEME
THEME
This clause consists of Topical Theme. The clause above begins with the Topical Theme which is the name of the product “Banana Boat Protect and
Hydrate”. It is an unmarked Theme because it is takes role as the subject of the clause. It is followed by “provides all-day moisture with broad spectrum UVAUVB
protection and aloe vera.” which is the Rheme.
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14. The kids from the Justice for Potatoes League want you to know
The kids from the Justice for Potatoes League
want you to know
Topical RHEME
THEME
This clause consists of Topical Theme. The clause above begins with the Topical Theme which is the name of the product “The kids from the Justice for
Potatoes League”. It is an unmarked Theme because it is takes role as the subject of the clause. It is followed by “want you to know.” which is the Rheme.
4.2.2 Interpersonal Theme