Literary Analysis Themes & Examples

Literary analysis often involves exploring various themes within a work of literature. Here are some common themes found in literature that students can use as a basis for analysis:

Love and Relationships:

• Examples: “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare and “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen.
• Analysis Focus: Explore the portrayal of love, the impact of relationships on characters, and how societal norms influence romantic dynamics.

Power and Authority:

• Examples: “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare and “Animal Farm” by George Orwell.
• Analysis Focus: Examine how power is acquired wielded, and its consequences on individuals and societies.

Identity and Self-Discovery:

• Examples: “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger and “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath.
• Analysis Focus: Investigate how characters navigate the search for identity, self-realization, and the challenges of self-discovery.

Social Injustice and Equality:

• Examples: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee and “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker.
• Analysis Focus: Explore how literature addresses discrimination, prejudice, and the fight for social justice.

Isolation and Alienation:

• Examples: “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley and “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka.
• Analysis Focus: Examine the psychological and societal implications of characters who experience isolation or alienation.

Conflict and Resolution:

• Examples: “The Odyssey” by Homer and “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding.
• Analysis Focus: Evaluate how conflicts arise, escalate, and are resolved and the impact on characters and the narrative.

Nature vs. Civilization:

• Examples: “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau and “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer.
• Analysis Focus: Explore the tension between the natural world and human civilization and how characters grapple with this dynamic.

Death and Mortality:

• Examples: “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare and “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy.
• Analysis Focus: Investigate how literature addresses the themes of mortality, the fear of death, and its impact on characters’ choices.

Coming of Age:

• Examples: “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain.
• Analysis Focus: Explores characters’ growth, maturation, and self-discovery as they transition from youth to adulthood.

Societal Expectations and Norms:

• Examples: “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood and “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen.
• Analysis Focus: Examine how literature critiques or reinforces societal expectations and norms, particularly regarding gender roles.

A note to teachers: Encourage students to analyze these themes as they can deepen their understanding of literature and foster critical thinking skills. It’s essential for students to support their analyses with specific examples from the text to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the themes explored.

A note to students: This list is not all-inclusive. You may see something someone else might not have seen in a literary work. However, this list is an excellent place to start. Frequently, stories include multiple themes, with one central theme.