Luyang, Haydee Juliana M.

ABM – 1C PT#2: 21st CL

Themes in the 21st Century Literature

1. Identity
Identity in general is who you are, characteristics that define you and what the world views you.
It is a state of mind of identifying and recognizing yourself to find out who you really are. The
theme of identity can be seen in many kinds of literature especially in books/novels. The reader
can relate on the character’s traits and emotions because identity can be clearly depicted within
the character.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008)

The nation of Panem is divided into 12 districts and the Capitol. Each
year two young representatives from each district are selected to
participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, brutal
retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast
throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their
competitors. When Katniss young sister was chosen, she immediately
takes her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, are pitted against
bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this
their whole lives.

Coco by Lee Unkrich (2017)

Young Miguel loves music and wants to be an aspiring musician just

like his idol. He confronted with his family because of a mysterious ban on
music. He finds himself in the Land of the Dead and he meets a charming
trickster Hector, in which they went together on a long journey to find his
missing ancestor and to know his family’s history and their identity.

Emoji Movie by Tony Leondis, (2017)

Hidden inside a smartphone, the bustling city of Textopolis is home to all
emojis. Each emoji has only one facial expression, except for Gene, an
emoji with multiple expressions. Determined to become "normal" like
the other emojis, Gene enlists the help of his best friend Hi-5 and a
mysterious code breaker. But when a greater danger threatens the
phone, the fate of all emojis depends on these three unlikely friends who
must save their world
2. History and Memory
Memory in literature is the written form of that which has come before. Memories come from
the historical past but are also formed by social, political, and religious events in the lives of
literary characters.

Goyo by Jerrold Tarog (2018)

General Antonio Luna has been killed, but the war is far from over.
Known by many as "the President's favorite," Gen. Gregorio "Goyo" del
Pilar is tasked to lead the Philippines' revolutionary forces against the
Americans.

Gladiator by David Franzoni (2000)

Maximus is a powerful Roman general, loved by the people and the

Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Before his death, the Emperor chooses
Maximus to be his heir over his own son, Commodus, and a power
struggle leaves Maximus and his family condemned to death. The
powerful general is unable to save his family, and his loss of will allows
him to get captured and put into the Gladiator games until he dies.
The only desire that fuels him now is the chance to rise to the top so
that he will be able to look into the eyes of the man who will feel his
revenge.

Heneral Luna by Jerrold Tarog (2015)

Set during the Philippine-American war, Heneral Luna follows the life
of one of Philippine History's most brilliant soldier, General Antonio
Luna, as he tries to lead his countrymen against colonial masters new
and old, and to rise above their own raging disputes to fulfill the
promise of the Philippine Revolution.
Sources:
https://www.123helpme.com/identity-preview.asp?id=160197
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2380307/plotsummary
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4877122/plotsummary
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/plotsummary
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5094192/plotsummary
https://www.cosmo.ph/entertainment/movie-review-goyo-ang-batang-heneral-a1213-
20180909-lfrm
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4944352/plotsummary\
https://literacle.com/literary-memory/
https://literarydevices.net/intertextuality/
https://www.gradesaver.com/the-hate-u-give/study-guide/summary