Theme of Literature

Themes are universal because ...

• all humans share common experiences

• authors add them to make the writing meaningful

• the entire universe enjoys them

• the stories go on forever

Which of the following is NOT an example of a theme?

• Treat others the way you want to be treated.

• The little boy lied to his mother.

• With hard work, you can accomplish anything.

• You shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

What could be an example of a theme?

• Friendship

• Being prepared often leads to success.

• How to bake chocolate chip cookies

• Helping others

What is the definition of a theme in literature?

• The climax of a story

• The physical setting of a story

• The main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work.

• The protagonist of a story

How does a theme develop throughout a story?

• By changing the setting of the story frequently

• By recurring ideas, symbols, and motifs that are woven into the plot and character development.

• By introducing new characters in every chapter

• By focusing only on the main character's thoughts and feelings

What are some common themes found in literature?

• Mathematics, physics, chemistry

• Love, death, good vs. evil, coming of age, power and corruption

• Space exploration, technology, dystopia

• Cooking recipes, travel, fashion

Explain the difference between a theme and a topic in literature.

• A theme is the underlying message or main idea of a literary work, while a topic is the subject matter or specific issue that is addressed in the work.

• A theme is the plot of a literary work, while a topic is the character development.

• A theme is the specific issue addressed in a literary work, while a topic is the underlying message or main idea of the work.

• A theme is the subject matter of a literary work, while a topic is the emotional response it evokes.

How can the setting of a story contribute to the development of its themes?

• By making the story more confusing

• By having no impact on the story

• By limiting the creativity of the characters

• By creating a specific atmosphere, influencing the characters' behavior, and reflecting the social or historical context.

Discuss the role of characters in the development of themes in a story.

• Characters have no impact on the development of themes

• Themes are solely developed through the setting of the story

• The author's writing style is the only factor in theme development

• Characters influence the development of themes through their actions and interactions.

What are some techniques for analyzing the development of themes in a literary work?

• Ignoring the symbols and focusing only on the plot

• Identifying recurring symbols and analyzing characters' actions and dialogue

• Analyzing the font and layout of the text

• Counting the number of pages in the book