BS ENGLISH: LITERATURE

THEME A LITERARY ELEMENT

The theme is an essential aspect of literature and refers to the overarching message or
central idea that a writer wants to convey through a work of literature. The underlying
concept or idea ties together all the other literary elements in a work.
The theme of a work is not always explicitly stated but is often implied through the plot,
characters, setting, symbolism, and imagery used in the work. It can be a universal truth or
a commentary on human nature, society, or the world at large.
Authors use themes to add depth and meaning to their stories. Themes help readers
understand the author's point of view and the larger message that they are trying to
convey. In some cases, themes can be universal and apply to everyone, while in other
cases, they may be specific to a certain time or place.
Themes can be as simple as love or friendship, or as complex as the nature of identity or
the meaning of life. Some examples of common themes in the literature include:
1. Love: This is a classic theme that is explored in countless works of literature, from
Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" to Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice."
2. Friendship: The bond between friends is another popular theme in literature, as seen
in books such as J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" and John Steinbeck's "Of
Mice and Men."
3. Identity: Exploring the question of who we are and how we define ourselves is a
common theme in literature, as seen in works such as Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man"
and Jhumpa Lahiri's "The Namesake."
4. Coming of age: This theme deals with the process of growing up and becoming an
adult, as seen in works such as Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" and J.D. Salinger's
"The Catcher in the Rye."
5. Society and social issues: Literature often explores the complexities of society and
social issues, such as racism, classism, and gender inequality. Some examples of
works that deal with these themes include Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and George
Orwell's "1984."
Themes can also be specific to a particular genre, such as the theme of good versus evil
in fantasy literature or the theme of justice in detective fiction. The important thing to
remember about the theme is that the underlying message or central idea ties together
all the other elements of a work of literature and gives it deeper meaning.