Themes in literature refer to the underlying message or central idea that the writer is trying to convey through the actions of the main characters. A theme is usually something the reader can relate to, such as love, death, and power. It is the bigger issue that emerges as the characters pursue their goals. A literary theme is an idea plus an opinion, allowing great works of literature to explore complex problems.
Here are some common themes in literature:
- Love
- Death/Grief
- Human nature
- Free will
- Self-awareness
- Coming of age
- Hope
- Jealousy
- Justice
- Fear
- Freedom
- Friendship
- Bravery
- Happiness
- Passion
- Kindness
- Trust
- War
Themes in literature can be identified through close reading, which is the process of critically reading works, paying close attention to the author’s word choices, use of literary devices, text format, and patterns to infer the author’s thoughts about their subjects. Recurring patterns in literature are known as motifs, and they often communicate a work’s themes.
Themes in literature are important because they give the reader an instant understanding of what the story is about and help the reader connect with the novel if the theme is relatable to them. They also make a story memorable and challenge readers to think critically about the statements they make.
