(ITN) Novel: Introduction Lesson

Novel: Introduction Lesson

Themes In Literature

In contemporary literary studies, a theme is the central topic, subject, or concept the author is trying to point out, not to be confused with whatever message or moral, is being put forth by the story/author.

 

A picture of a older novel

Analysis of Themes

A theme is a recurring idea or concept in a text. It is not explicit; therefore, the reader must look for repeated imagery or symbols, examine the relationships between plot, setting, characters, and structure, and think about the feelings evoked throughout the text. Common themes in literature include love, jealousy, and friendship. If assigned to analyze a theme in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, you could analyze the theme of friendship between Huck and Jim. 

 

Common Themes in Literature: The 12 Most Common Themes in Literature

  1. Man Struggles Against Nature:  Man is always at battle with human nature, whether the drives described are sexual, material or against the aging process itself. 
  2. Man Struggles Against Societal Pressure:  Mankind is always struggling to determine if societal pressure is best for living. Check out books like Revolutionary Road or Mrs. Dalloway for examples of characters who know how society says they should live but feel society's dictation is contrary to what makes them happy. 
  3. Man Struggles to Understand Divinity:  Mankind tries to understand and make peace with God, but satisfaction is elusive and difficult. 
  4. Crime Does Not Pay:  A popular theme played out in books throughout time is the concept that honesty is honored and criminals will eventually be caught. Crime and Punishment and "The Telltale Heart" are two stories written on this theme. 
  5. Overcoming Adversity:  Many books laud characters that accept a tough situation and turn it into triumph. Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind exemplifies a shrewd person who finds a way to come out on top despite failed relationships and an economic depression after the Civil War. 
  6. Friendship is Dependent on Sacrifice: This is the idea that you can't have friends if you don't act like a friend.
  7. The Importance of Family:  Sacrifices for family are honored and explored, as are the family bonds that survive adversity. 
  8. Yin and Yang: Just when you think life is finally going to be easy, something bad happens to balance it all out.  
  9. Love is the Worthiest of Pursuits:  Many writers assert the idea that love conquers all, appealing to the romantic side of us. 
  10. Death is Part of the Life Cycle:  Literary works with this theme show how death and life are intricately connected. 
  11. Sacrifices Bring Reward:  Sacrifices and hard work pay off in the end, despite the challenges along the way.
  12. Human Beings All Have the Same Needs:  From Montagues to Capulets in Romeo and Juliet or the characters in S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, book after book asserts that rich or poor, educated or uneducated, all human beings need love and other basic needs met. 

 

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