Identifying the Themes:

Explanation and Application

Theme
A narrative contains several elements, such characterization, plot and setting, that all work together to
construct the narrative’s theme. The theme is the central meaning of a narrative. It tells the reader what the
work is about. The theme is expressed through what the characters say, do and think and through the actions
that take place within the story. The theme also is revealed in how the plot and setting of the narrative are
constructed and presented.

Theme is defined as a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or
indirectly. The theme in a story is its underlying message, or 'big idea.' In other words, what critical belief
about life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short story or poem? This belief, or
idea, transcends cultural barriers. It is usually universal in nature. When a theme is universal, it touches on
the human experience, regardless of race or language. It is what the story means. Often, a piece of writing
will have more than one theme.

Understanding Universal Themes

A theme can be described as the central idea found within a story or passage. It can also represent a message
or lesson the author wants to convey. When a theme is relatable by a wide range of readers, we call this a
universal theme. These are themes that many people can relate to for a number of reasons, whether it's
because they incorporate common life experiences or are simply concepts of human nature that most readers
can understand.

Universal themes allow readers to connect to the story emotionally. Some of the more common universal
themes found in literature include individual struggle towards a personal goal, a person's struggle with
humanity, falling in love, life cycles, karma, coping with tragedy, adolescence and discovering the world
around us. These are universally understood by a majority of readers due to how easily they can be applied
to their own lives.

Examples of Universal Themes

In the story 'Little Red Riding Hood', a girl goes on a walk through the forest to her grandmother's house. On
her way, she meets a wolf, who appears to be nice. She tells the wolf where she's going, which later leads to
the downfall of her grandmother. The overall theme of this story might be do not trust strangers.

It's important to note that there aren't really a finite number of universal themes. Many themes are subjective.
In reading or seeing the play, Romeo and Juliet, for example, one person might conclude that the main theme
is tension between two groups, while another person would say it’s cause and effect of rebellious behavior.
Many readers would agree that both of these themes, along with others, like first love, are present in the
story. Below you will find more examples of universal themes found in literature.

1. Humans all have the same needs: Night at the Museum, the caveman comes down and the night guard
sees he needs love and affection, one of the things all humans need.
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2. Love conquers all: Romeo and Juliet, they cared for their love above anything in their lives, even their
own life.
3. Death is part of the life cycle: Harry Potter, when Harry understands that the death of Dumbledore was
just part of his life, it was supposed to happen, when he figures it at the end of the 7th book.
4. Sacrifices bring rewards: Inheritance Series (Eragon…), Eragon sacrifices his home and his family (his
uncle) to then receive magical powers and a wonderful dragon (Saphira).

Presentation of Themes

A writer presents themes in a literary work through several ways. A writer may express a theme through the
feelings of his main character about the subject he has chosen to write about. Similarly, themes are presented
through thoughts and conversations of different characters. Moreover, the experiences of the main character
in the course of a literary work give us an idea about its theme. Finally, the actions and events taking place in
a narrative are consequential in determining its theme.

Theme Examples in Literature

Example #1

Love and friendship are frequently occurring themes in literature. They generate emotional twists and turns
in a narrative and can lead to a variety of endings: happy, sad or bittersweet. The following are famous
literary works with love and friendship themes:

-Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

-Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

-Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

-Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

-Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Example #2

The theme of war has been explored in literature since ancient times. The literary woks utilizing this theme
may either glorify or criticize the idea of war. Most recent literary works portray war as a curse for humanity
due to the suffering it inflicts. Some famous examples are:

-Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

-A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

-Arms and the Man by Bernard Shaw

-A Band of Brothers: Stories from Vietnam by Walter McDonald

Example #3

Crime and mystery are utilized in detective novels. Such narratives also include sub-themes such as “crimes
cannot be hidden”, “evil is always punished” etc. Some well-known crime and mystery theme examples are:
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-The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe

-Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

-Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

-Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Example #4

Revenge is another recurrent theme found in many popular literary works. A character comes across certain
circumstances that make him aware of his need for revenge. The outcome of his action is often bitter but
sometimes they may end up being satisfied. Examples are:

-Hamlet and Macbeth by William Shakespeare

-The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas

-The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson

-A Time to Kill by John Grisham

Function of Themes
Theme is an element of a story that binds together various other essential elements of a narrative. It is a truth
that exhibits universality and stands true for people of all cultures. Theme gives readers better understanding
of the main character’s conflicts, experiences, discoveries and emotions as they are derived from them.
Through themes, a writer tries to give his readers an insight into how the world works or how he or she
views human life.

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