A theme is the central subject and message of a narrative. Themes can divide into two main categories: thematic concept, which is what readers believe the work is about, and thematic statement, which reveals what the author wants the reader to understand about the subject. Here are some examples of theme in literature.
Les Miserables
Les Miserables is a classic example of a play with an important theme. This story about humankind’s struggle against evil is about redemption and good works. Many characters in the play provide charity to those who need it the most. The play opens with a dramatic scene that exemplifies this theme. The plight of Jean Valjean revealed through the generosity of a priest. The disreputable Thenardier family also helped by Marius’ charity.
Les Miserables also shows us how love can change even the worst characters. Love can save people from terrible situations. Jean Valjean’s brotherly love helps him overcome his circumstances, and the love he has for Cosette enables him to advance in his life. Similarly, even the most unlovable character, Eponine, can redeemed through love for Marius. Although her actions might not have been good, her commitment to Marius leads her to die a hero’s death on the barricades.
Hugo’s novel explores the themes of humankind’s struggles with imperfection. His portrayal of a grotesquely ugly deaf mute’s love for a beautiful gypsy dancer is also a reminder of God’s own struggles and shortcomings.
The play also introduces the concept of class. The characters in the play come from all walks of life. Aside from the characters of Marius, the story also explores the struggles of society. The characters depicted in a complex and contrasting way, and the plot develops as the story unfolds. Les Miserables has many memorable episodes, such as the rescue of Marius by Jean Valjean.
While Les Miserables is not a long book, it tackles a difficult debate about the ideal of justice. Through Jean Valjean, Hugo exposes the extreme cruelty of nineteenth century French society and its biased judiciary system. The novel’s message aims to create a moral dilemma that is relevant as long as situations similar to the one in the novel continue to exist.
The Grapes of Wrath
One of the themes in The Grapes of Wrath is corporate greed. The title of the book refers to the phrase “grapes of wrath,” which used in both the Book of Revelation and in the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The phrase symbolizes the ruthless power of corporate money and its impact on ordinary people, including the poor and landless. In the story, the wealthy landowners use the oppressed, landless farmers as “grapes,” and these ruthless people will do anything to profit.
The Grapes of Wrath is a novel written by John Steinbeck. It is a Pulitzer Prize winner, and features the main character, Tom Joad. The novel includes several critical themes, including feminism and oppression. Even though the book is about a pearl diver, the novel has elements of social justice and feminism.
Steinbeck’s novel influenced by the muckraking tradition that swept the nation during the turn of the century. These journalists documented the harrowing conditions of lower-class Americans. Books like The Jungle (1906) and Jacob Riis’s How the Other Half Lives (1926) were a product of this period. Many of the events in The Grapes of Wrath have biblical allusions, which lend the novel a sense of universality.
Other themes that come into play throughout The Grapes of Wrath include class conflict and economic injustice. The novel describes the effects of class conflict on workers and migrants, highlighting the inequalities of wealth and fairness. The novel also explores the relationship between class and identity in America and the issues of parity and fairness.
The theme of “the family unit” is another important theme in The Grapes of Wrath. The novel explores issues like the plight of migrant workers in the Depression.
The Great Gatsby
The theme of The Great Gatsby is the American Dream. In the book, Jay Gatsby starts out as a farm boy who reinvents himself to become a wealthy man. It is a 1920s retelling of the classic rags-to-riches tale. Although money is scarce in the 1920s, it allows people to live large and indulge in excess.
While money can buy temporary friends and social status, it cannot buy happiness. This inability to buy happiness is a central tragedy in the book. It is impossible to turn back time and correct mistakes with money, which makes the theme of wealth more poignant. In short, the theme of wealth highlights the helplessness of money in the most important matters of life.
The characters of Daisy and Jordan dressed in white in novel. In the first scene, the curtains hang open to let the light stream in. This signifies the superficiality of the society in which they live. Nick Carraway describes Daisy as living in a white palace, a “king’s daughter” and a “golden girl”; the latter two descriptions show that she worshipped.
The Great Gatsby theme continues to haunt the novel’s characters. For instance, in Chapter one, Daisy pulls Nick aside and complains about her depression. She also discusses her problems with her marriage and society. Nick questions her sincerity and wonders if she is genuinely depressed. Daisy then follows her complaint with an “absolute smirk.”
Although the novel has themes that resonate with many people, the primary one is the American Dream. In addition to the American Dream, the novel also explores the emptiness of material wealth and the obsession with the past. It also highlights the absurdity of material excess and its consequences on human relationships.
Themes in a song
Themes in a song are elements of a song that represent specific emotions. They often expressed in simple musical elements. For example, Hans Zimmer’s theme from the movie Joker is a single elongated note that fills the audience with unease. These themes should also have a main instrument that grounds the melody and theme. For example, violins can use to convey sadness.
Themes in a song can also express political and social issues. During the 60s, the political scene was more likely to inspire songs about revolution and rebellion. Later, during the 70s, themes such as loss and escapism became prevalent. These themes are still prevalent in many songs.
Themes in a song are important elements to make a song memorable and effective. They direct the melody and create the atmosphere of the song. They are also a way to connect the melody and lyrics with the listener. Themes can feel throughout the song, and they can influence the performance of the singer.
Themes in a song often expressed through the key signatures, instruments, and other aspects of the song’s structure. They can express a range of emotions, including joy, sadness, or frustration. They can even depict relationships between lovers, family members, or even enemies. Themes are a part of any song, and can help the listener understand it.
Another element that influences themes is the accompaniment. Whether a piece of music has a classical music theme or a contemporary song, the accompaniment can change the meaning of a theme.
Symbols
A theme in a story is an idea or message the author wants to convey. There are two types: major themes and minor themes. The major theme is the central idea of the story, while the minor themes support it. A theme may contain several elements, including motifs and symbols. Motifs will appear repeatedly in the text, while symbols will introduce only once or twice.
Symbols in a theme often have deeper meanings. When explored, they may seem strange, but they may make more sense than you think. For example, a skunk might signify foul things, but it might also represent bad luck. Symbols in a theme can use as reminders of the main theme of the story.
Symbols in a theme may be words, images, or events. Often, a symbol represents a complex idea. Some common symbols include the star of David and the Christian cross. Other common symbols include the national flag and Albert Einstein. Symbols also used in literary works to make a point.
Symbols in a theme provide the reader with a deeper understanding of the message or theme of the story. The theme is the overall message, the lesson that the narrative conveys to the audience. Symbols in a theme often represent themes or values that are universal, such as love and freedom.
Symbols in a theme are elements in a story or poem that repeated frequently. They are use to enhance the theme and provide clues to the plot and conflict of the story. Symbols and motifs are the two main building blocks of a theme, and they are essential for a compelling storyline.
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