A secondary or contrasting theme presented in opposition to a main theme; an alternative thematic element.
From counter- + theme (from Greek thema, meaning a proposition or subject). A literary, musical, or philosophical term for secondary or opposing ideas.
In literature, countertheme is crucial to understanding meaning—the main theme might be 'ambition is noble,' but the countertheme 'ambition corrupts' weaves through the same story, creating moral complexity. Shakespeare excels at this: every idealistic theme in his plays has a cynical countertheme running alongside it.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.