1. Theme, Motif, and Moral in Literature

2. What is the definition of theme in literature? Theme is the main idea or message about mankind or life conveyed by a piece of literary work. A theme should be expressed by a complete sentence, thought, or idea rather than just one word. Not every piece of literature has a theme. A theme can be the “moral” of a story, or lesson, but it does not have to be.

3. How does the reader identify the theme ? The theme may be stated clearly in the story or implied through the story’s plot. The theme might be presented by the actions, thoughts and feelings of the main characters. The theme might be deep or difficult to understand. The reader may slowly come to realize the theme of a story as she processes the text and reads the story in its entirety, all the way through to the end.

4. Examples of themes from Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men: Friendship makes the difficulties and disappointments of life more bearable. A person’s dreams provide purpose and hope in one’s life.

5. What is motif in a piece of literature? Motif is a recurring object, concept, or structure in a piece of literature. Unlike a theme, a motif can be expressed in a single word or fragment.

6. Examples of motifs in Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men: Friendship Loneliness Dreams Prejudice

7. What is a moral in a piece of literature? A moral is a practical lesson about right and wrong. A rule for how to behave or how to act. Not all stories have a moral or a lesson to be learned.