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.

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

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

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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

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

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.