In this thesis we introduce and evolve the paradigm of theme-based literate programming (TBLP). TBLP enhances on the literate programming (LP) model, as invented by Donald Knuth in the early 1980s. TBLP provides a generic model that copes with current and future software development methodologies and practices. We show that through this extended chunk and processing model, XML-based support, and a pipelined document develop-ment process, an elegant and powerful system of exposition and development is facilitated. We introduce the concept of themes as a solution to breaking the tyranny of dominant decomposition and show how TBLP can provide equal opportunity perspectives.