Literature

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

Book presentation assignment

           Let's have a look.

Possible focal points 

1. The author and his/her connection to the book.

Describe how the author’s life hasinfluenced the book.

2. The connection of the book with popular fiction.

Describe how the book has influenced any other works of art, literature or films.

 3. The (overarching) theme in the book.

Describe the theme of the book and discuss its significance within the book, but also perhaps in relation to society.

Let's zoom in on ....

Themes

Themes : What Is a Literary Theme?

A literary theme is the main idea or underlying meaning a writer explores in a novel, short story, or other literary work. The theme of a story can be conveyed using characters, setting, dialogue, plot, or a combination of all of these elements.

In simpler stories, the theme may be a moral or message: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” In more complex stories, the central theme is typically a more open-ended exploration of some fundamental aspect of society or humanity.

6 Common Themes in Literature

The best literary themes explore human nature on a universal level. It’s no surprise, then, that multiple books may share the same central idea. 

Each of the following popular theme examples reveals the human condition and offers readers food for thought long after the story is finished.

Six common themes in literature are:

1. Good vs. evil

2. Love

3. Redemption

4. Courage and perseverance

5. Coming of age

6. Revenge

Literary Theme 1: Good vs. Evil

The classic battle between light and dark, altruism and antagonism, the theme of good versus evil stretches beyond even Biblical times. A story about good triumphing over evil may pit two characters directly against each other, as in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, or a main character against society at large, as in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.

In addition, the theme of good versus evil may be explored through the external actions and dialogue of the characters, or via their internal struggle to do the right thing when faced with temptation.

Literary Theme 2: Love       one

Love is one of the most universal themes in literature, as in life. In fact, the theme of love is underpins many of the stories we’ve discussed so far. Love can be a force for good that inspires people to sacrifice themselves for others, or a toxic force that drives people to madness or violence. Different flavors of love as a literary theme include:

1. Forbidden love. Yearning and disapproval collide in forbidden love stories, which often find star-crossed lovers hurtling towards a tragic fate. Examples include: Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare and Atonement by Ian McEwan.

2. Family love. Stories about the love between parents and children or siblings often explore the costs or challenges of family loyalty. Examples include: The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner and My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

Literary Theme 2: Love       two

3. Unrequited love. The pain of loving someone who does not return your affection is a frequent subject in literature. Examples include: The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux and The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway.

4. Friendship. The power of friendship to carry people through hard times and change them—whether for better or worse—is an especially common theme in young adult literature. Examples include: The Body by Stephen King (adapted into a film, Stand By Me) and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Literary Theme 3: Redemption

Failures or tragedies set the stage for a sad story, but it doesn’t have to end this way: in books that employ redemption as a central theme, characters see the errors of their ways and strive to right the wrongs they’ve committed, making for an uplifting tale. Stories of redemption often involve a reformed character sacrificing his or her freedom or life.

Examples of stories that explore redemption include A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.

Literary Theme 4: Courage and Perseverance

The triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity is a hugely popular theme in literature, film, and real life. Characters in stories about courage endure difficult circumstances or impossible odds, persevering through sheer determination, grit, and gall.

Examples of stories with courage as their central theme include: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle and Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden.

Literary Theme 5: Coming of Age

Also known as a bildungsroman, a classic coming-of-age story follows one or more characters during their journey of growing up into adulthood. These characters may experience everything from a loss of innocence, to an awakening or self-awareness before finally reaching maturity. While coming of age stories are popular in young adult literature, they’re also common in memoirs.

Examples of books that employ coming of age as a central theme include Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

Literary Theme 6: Revenge

A common plot in literature, the theme of revenge sets up a conflict between one character and his or her enemies as he or she journeys to avenge wrongs done to them. A revenge story may depict the trials a character must endure in order to achieve their vengeance—or, explore the human cost and moral dilemmas around pursuing vengeance in the first place

Examples of stories that use revenge as their central theme include: The Iliad by Homer, Carrie by Stephen King, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas, and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

Ask yourself questions:

• What is the author's take on the theme?
• Is it convincing?
• How does it compare to another books/ films with a similar theme?
• Does the writing style enhance the theme?
• Etc.

assignment

In pairs: decide on a book, film or series that you both have read/seen and identify one of the main themes. Decribe the theme. Describe the author's approach. What was his/her intention, do you think? What is your opinion? Be precise!

In pairs: decide on a book, film or series that you both have read/seen
and identify one of the main themes. Decribe the theme. Describe
the author's approach. What was his/her intention, do you think?
What is your opinion? Be precise!

Good luck and have fun with your book presentation assignment!!!

If you need anything, just give me a holler.