Identifying Themes in Literature

Goal Once you have a universal theme in mind, you must narrow it down to a theme statement. This statement represents the idea the writer wishes to convey about the subject—the writer’s view of the world or observation about human nature.

Investigate Brainstorm aspects of the story that seem to relate to your universal theme. Look at the following areas: title, character, plot, point of view, symbols, figurative language, and patterns.

Compose Write one or more generalized, declarative sentences that state what was learned and how it was learned.

Test • Is the theme supported by evidence from the work itself? • Are all the author’s choices of plot, character, conflict, and tone controlled by this theme?

Possible Universal Themes to Get You Started The Power of Skill over Dreams Civilization vs. Savagery Strength Past Versus Present The American Dream Compassion as Heroic Loss of Innocence Crime, Guilt, and Innocence The Mystery of Death Ambition and Self- Dangerous Knowledge Self-motivation and Self- Improvement The Problem of Immigrant reliance Decline of the American Dream Identity Loss of a Loved One The Changing Idea of Family The Effects of Guilt on One’s Betrayal Conscience Reputation Social Class Society’s Treatment of the The Pitfalls of Temptation Powerless Secrecy The Power of Storytelling The Value and Purposes of Children more Mature than their Danger of Isolation Dreams Parents Interracial Love and Friendship Fairness and Loyalty Coming of Age Hysteria Heroism Struggle for Self-Definition Silence Struggling with Depression The Power of Language Crime and Guilt Struggle to Maintain Faith Lost Dreams Forgiveness and Letting Go of Anger Inhumanity towards other Love and Hate Humans Literature and Writing Self vs. Alter Ego Eating Disorders Jealousy The Power of the Dead over the Intolerance Living Deception

Anger Household Governance Suspicion

The Need to Fight Racial Pride Conspiracy Discrimination Death Persecution The Power of Storytelling Beauty Catastrophe Love’s Difficulty The Power of Love The Quest Restricted Role of Women The Burden of Secrets There are No Random Acts in Survival Ambitious Life

Exclusion because of Racial or Idea of Identity The Chase Religious Difference Courage Self-Sacrifice Upper Class vs. Lower Class Duty Obsession Abandonment Fear Isolation The Importance of Family Freedom Lives are Sacrificed to Save Forgiveness Others Memory and Vision The Importance of Establishing Grief & Loss Happiness Identity People vs. Supernatural Truth Identity and Society The Fittest Survive. Suffering The Nature of Evil People Hide their True Identity Prejudice The Nature of Tragedy Appearances are Deceptive. Loyalty Rivalry Equal Rights The Willingness to Ignore Truth Greed is Evil Education Spirituality

Identity Poverty Stages of Life

Trust is Betrayed Fate Success

Pretending to be Someone Death and Rebirth Tradition You’re Not Individual and Society Violence Friendships are Invaluable Nationalism Work Drug Abuse is Dangerous Nature Sexuality Alienation Oppression Suicide Home Parenthood Alcohol Abuse Mortality Race Family Struggles Hopes, Dreams, and Plans Regret Bullying Traditions and Customs Rejection Money Community Religion Divorce Cruelty Responsibility Relationships within Family Universal Theme:

Title: Explain how the title might indicate or emphasize some important aspect of the universal theme

Character: List the protagonist’s lessons learned, struggles, motivations, and anything else that seems to set him/her apart from the rest

Plot: List significant events and conflict that occur. Explain how conflicts are dealt with or resolved

Point of View: List the narrator’s comments about other characters and lessons learned. Explain how the narrator is involved with significant events and conflicts

Symbols, Figurative Language & Patterns: List any symbols, etc. that relate to the universal theme

Theme Statement: