Final answer:
In case studies, themes are uncovered by identifying recurring motifs in the text, which can be symbolic elements like objects or places, helping reveal the story's deeper messages.
Step-by-step explanation:
In case studies, themes are identified by the frequency with which the same term (or a synonym) arises in the narrative description. Themes are important recurring ideas or concepts within a text. To find a theme, one strategy involves examining motifs, which are elements that recur throughout a story, including statements, places, objects, or sounds. These motifs draw attention to themes through repetition and are often symbolic, pointing to larger ideas discussed in the text. For example, a motif such as a park might represent childhood in a story. If the park is frequently mentioned and later replaced by a housing complex, it could suggest a theme relating to the transition from childhood to adulthood. Analyzing these recurring elements helps uncover the deeper meanings and messages conveyed in a case study or narrative.