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Ten Common Literary Themes

Ten Common Literary Themes. Created by Kathryn Reilly. Defining Theme. Theme is a unifying idea that an author communicates in a work. Themes are abstract ideas that an author explores through concrete means such as characters and settings. Note: Many literary works may have multiple themes.

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Ten Common Literary Themes

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  1. Ten Common Literary Themes Created by Kathryn Reilly

  2. Defining Theme • Theme is a unifying idea that an author communicates in a work. • Themes are abstract ideas that an author explores through concrete means such as characters and settings. • Note: Many literary works may have multiple themes.

  3. Common Literary Themes:Good vs. Evil • Works with this literary theme struggle to define good and evil. • Definitions of good and evil may change depending on the era and society. • Characters may wrestle with their actions and the consequences of their actions. • Literary works exploring this theme include: • Beowulf • Frankenstein • The Crucible • Othello • Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde • The Lord of the Rings

  4. Common Literary Themes:The Journey • Works with this literary theme follow a character through many events and adventures. • The journey may be a physical, emotional or spiritual journey. • Throughout the journey the character learns new things about himself and the world, and becomes a wiser individual. • Literary works exploring this theme include: • The Odyssey • Their Eyes were Watching God • Gone with the Wind • Don Quixote • The Call of the Wild

  5. Common Literary Themes:Coming of Age • Works with this literary theme focus on a character leaving adolescence and entering adulthood. • As the character loses his or her innocence, he or she gains a more realistic view of the world. • Literary works exploring this theme include: • Huckleberry Finn • To Kill a Mockingbird • Lord of the Flies • Catcher in the Rye

  6. Common Literary Themes:The Role of Fate • Works with this literary theme explore how many of life’s events are beyond humanity’s control. • Characters must come to terms with life’s unpredictability and decide how to respond to it. • Literary works exploring this theme include: • Oedipus Rex • Siddharta • The Great Gatsby

  7. Common Literary Themes:Sacrifice • Works with this literary theme examine the necessity of sacrifice in order to obtain a goal. • The sacrifice may be a tangible item, or an intangible idea or quality. • Literary works exploring this theme include: • A Tale of Two Cities • Death of a Salesman • “The Gift of the Magi”

  8. Common Literary Themes:Overcoming Adversity • Works with this literary theme present characters who must overcome great obstacles in their lives. • Characters must choose how to respond to difficult situations and endure circumstances when they cannot be altered. • Literary works exploring this theme include: • Jane Eyre • Vanity Fair • The Scarlet Letter

  9. Common Literary Themes:The Cost of Revenge • Works with this literary theme explore both the tangible and intangible costs of revenge. • Novels with this theme often warn against revenge, as many characters face unhappy endings. • Literary works exploring this theme include: • Moby Dick • The Count of Monte Cristo • Wuthering Heights

  10. Common Literary Themes:Importance of Friendship • Works with this literary theme examine the importance of friendship. • Friendship between characters is often tested, and authors explore what being a good friend entails. • Literary works exploring this theme include: • Watership Down • The Kite Runner • Of Mice and Men

  11. Common Literary Themes:Heritage and Family • Works with this literary theme explore the importance of one’s heritage and family in understanding oneself. • Authors may explore different ideas of family and how family shapes the individual. • Literary works exploring this theme include: • Roots • Little Women • One Hundred Years of Solitude • The Joy Luck Club

  12. Common Literary Themes:Death’s Inevitability • Works with this literary theme explore humanity’s fear of death. • Characters often review their lives and meditate upon what awaits them after death. • Novels with this theme may also examine society’s views on death. • Literary works exploring this theme include: • The Death of Ivan Illyich • Death Comes for the Archbishop • A Christmas Carol • As I Lay Dying

  13. Common Theme Review • A theme is a unified idea an author explores in his or her work. • Themes are abstract ideas. • Literary works may have more than one theme.

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