Ad-free experience
Study Guides for 1,000+ titles
Full Text content for 250+ titles
No Fear Translations of Shakespeare’s plays (along with audio!) and other classic works
Flashcards
Mastery Quizzes
Infographics
Graphic Novels
AP® Practice & Lessons
Note-taking
Bookmarking
Dashboard
What Is a Theme in Literature? (Definition)
Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work. A theme goes deeper than the plot of the story, digging into why the story matters. Themes reflect human nature and universal experiences that readers can connect with across time and culture. Themes are often not stated outright; instead, readers can infer themes by looking at characters, symbols, motifs, or anything repeated throughout the text. By identifying a theme, readers gain insight into what the author is saying about people, life, nature, or the world. Themes ultimately give literature its meaning and help it resonate on a deeper level.
Examples of Themes
Example 1: The Inevitability of Fate in Romeo and Juliet
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet illustrates the theme of the inevitability of fate. The play follows two “star-crossed” lovers from fighting families whose devotion to one another ultimately leads to tragedy, which is fated to happen from the very start. In all the events surrounding Romeo and Juliet, the workings of fate are evident: the feud between their families; the series of accidents that ruin Friar Lawrence’s plans; and the tragic timing of Romeo’s suicide and Juliet’s awakening. This theme suggests that nothing, not even love, can prevent the unavoidable outcome of the young lovers’ deaths, and, more broadly, no one can beat an invisible and mighty force such as fate.
Example 2: The Dangers of Totalitarianism in 1984
George Orwell’s 1984 explores the theme of totalitarian control and cautions readers of its dangers. The novel depicts a society where the government monitors every aspect of life, restricts language, and eradicates personal freedoms. Winston Smith, the protagonist, struggles to protect his humanity against the absolute power of “Big Brother.” The theme extends beyond the events of the novel, warning readers about the dangers of unchecked political authority and propaganda. It emphasizes how truth can be destroyed when fear and surveillance dominate society. This theme remains relevant today whenever issues of privacy and government power are contested.
Example 3: Alienation as a Form of Self-Protection in The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye highlights the theme of alienation as a way of protecting oneself. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, feels alienated from the world, which he views as “phony,” and struggles to find a sense of belonging. He uses his isolation as proof that he is better than everyone else and therefore above interacting with them. The truth is that interactions with other people usually overwhelm him, and his cynical tendency to isolate himself serves as a type of self-protection. The theme points to the universal challenge of self-discovery and the emotional turbulence of growing up.
Common Misunderstandings about Themes
A frequent mistake is confusing theme with topic. A topic is what a story is about on the surface, such as “love” or “family.” A theme, on the other hand, makes a claim or observation about that topic, like “true love overcomes all obstacles” or “families shape perspectives.” Another common mistake is thinking that a story has only one theme. Most works of literature contain multiple themes. For instance, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn explores not only racial injustice but also moral development and empathy as a driving force.
Another misunderstanding is that themes are always moral lessons. While themes can be moral, they do not always tell readers how to behave; instead, they encourage reflection. A theme can be sad, disturbing, or even ambiguous, offering insight rather than a tidy conclusion.
Why Do Themes Matter?
Themes matter because they invite readers to engage with the story in a meaningful and thought-provoking way, helping them to see connections between fictional characters and real life. Themes help readers go beyond pure plot summary and ask “What is this story really saying?”
Themes also allow readers to interpret stories differently depending on their perspectives, making literature more personal. For example, two people may read the same novel but take away different themes depending on their own life experiences, which sparks conversation, fosters empathy, and strengthens critical thinking.
Additionally, people may read different novels that share the same theme, which in turn deepens their understanding of the theme. For instance, the novels 1984, Brave New World, and The Handmaid’s Tale all explore the theme of subjugation of the individual for the benefit of society. Ultimately, themes are what makes literature timeless, as they allow a story written years ago to still speak to modern audiences.
