Role of Lara's Theme
Like most people, I would imagine, I was acquainted with "Lara's Theme" long before I ever saw Doctor Zhivago. Now that I've finally watched the whole movie (on DVD), it seems to me that "Lara's Theme" is a misnomer. The way it's used in the movie, it's really the theme of Yuri's voice as a poet. It's associated with his early experiences of the larger world, with his mother's balalaika (= music = creativity = poetry), with his experience of nature, with his efforts to write, and with Lara as one of his inspirations.
Let us all beware of resting satisfied with head-knowledge. - CofE Bishop J.C. Ryle