Common Themes in Literature: A Guide for Writers and Readers

Think of your favorite book. On the surface, it’s a story—a series of events with a plot, a setting, and characters driving the action. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find the underlying ideas or messages that give the story its emotional and intellectual weight.

These are the themes—the heart and soul of a story. They’re the reason stories can challenge our thinking, stir our emotions, and even transform us.

What is a Theme in Literature?

A theme is the main idea or message a story conveys. It’s not the plot or the events that happen in the story—it’s the deeper meaning behind those events.

Without themes, a story might entertain, but it rarely lingers in your mind or heart. Themes draw you into the story by revealing truths, raising questions, and offering insights about life.

They are what make a book your favorite, not just a passing read. A tale of redemption might remind someone of a second chance they took, while a survival story could inspire perseverance.

For writers, themes also guide their storytelling. They are a point of focus where character arcs, conflicts, and resolutions revolve around.

A theme isn’t static. Two books can explore the same idea but from a different approach and with different results. Readers may also interpret the message in ways the author didn’t intend.

Common Themes in Literature

Certain themes appear again and again in both fiction and nonfiction. These recurring themes highlight the shared human experiences that connect us all.

Coming-of-age

Everyone understands the transition from childhood to adulthood. Books with this theme feature kids or teens maturing through various events. They explore the values of personal growth and self-discovery.

• The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
• The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
• Becoming by Michelle Obama
• Educated by Tara Westover

Good vs. Evil

This is perhaps the oldest and most popular theme in literature. It shows the eternal struggle between right and wrong.

• Beowulf
• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Loyalty and Betrayal

Loyalty and betrayal are two sides of the same coin. One represents faithfulness and commitment to a person, cause, or belief. The other embodies the breaking of trust, leading to emotional turmoil. Books with this theme often highlight the complexities of human relationships.

• Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Circle of Life

This theme explores the natural cycle of birth, growth, death, and renewal. It reflects on the interconnectedness of living things, the inevitability of change, and the passing of time.

• Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
• The Lion King
• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
• The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

Faith vs. Doubt

Believing isn’t easy, whether it’s in a religion, in other people, or even yourself. This theme often delves into questions about trust, spirituality, and personal conviction. Most characters struggle with navigating life when faced with the unknown.

• Life of Pi by Yann Martel
• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Family

Family explores the bonds, dynamics, and complexities that come with being part of one. Stories about family explore the relationships that shape us, from loving support to the challenges and conflicts within them.

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
• The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
• Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Hubris

Hubris examines excessive pride and the tragedies that arise from it. Rooted in ancient Greece, it highlights the consequences of defying limits set by society, nature, or the divine. Books with this theme tend to be cautionary tales, showing how unchecked ego leads to destruction.

• Macbeth by William Shakespeare
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• The Smartest Guys in the Room by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind

Power

This theme explores how power is gained, used, challenged, or lost and its impact on people and society. Books with this theme focus on the desire for control or freedom, raising questions about responsibility, morality, and the sacrifices involved.

• 1984 by George Orwell
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• The Power Broker by Robert Caro
• The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Love

Love is one of the most universal and enduring themes in literature. It explores the deep connections between people, from romantic love to familial bonds and friendship. Stories about love often show how it can bring joy, comfort, and growth, but also cause pain, sacrifice, and conflict.

• Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
• The Leavers by Lisa Ko
• The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

Survival

Survival focuses on the human instinct to face challenges, endure hardships, and stay alive against the odds. It explores people’s physical, emotional, and mental struggles in extreme conditions.

• The Martian by Andy Weir
• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
• Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Beauty

This theme examines the nature and power of beauty. It can also delve into how society values or distorts beauty, highlighting its ability to inspire, deceive, or challenge perceptions.

• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
• Snow White by the Brothers Grimm
• The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
• The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair

Justice

Justice focuses on fairness, morality, and the pursuit of what is right. Stories about justice explore the struggles to achieve equality, the consequences of injustice, and the complexities of legal, social, or personal accountability. This theme often challenges readers to consider ethics and the balance between law and morality.

• Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
• The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

Final Thoughts

Themes can range from broad ideas like good vs. evil to more specific topics, such as losing cultural identity. A story can also explore multiple themes, each adding depth and meaning to the narrative. The examples above are just a few of the many themes found in literature.

Themes are the heart of any great story. They make stories timeless, allowing them to speak to readers across cultures and generations.

What’s your favorite theme in literature? Share your thoughts below!

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