NATIONAL
MATH + SCIENCE
INITIATIVE
English
Thematic Ideas in Literature
In the following list are just a few of the many possible literary thematic ideas that recur in literature. The
point to remember is that a thematic idea (an abstract noun) is not a theme.
A thematic idea is some dimension of the human condition examined by the work; a theme is a statement,
direct or implied, about how the author’s vision of the human condition is revealed.
Activity: Examining Thematic Ideas
After reviewing the following list of thematic ideas, select three works you teach now—short stories, novels,
plays, or poems. Complete the chart below by listing the title, the subject, and a thematic idea. Be prepared
to share your lists.
Alienation
Ambition
Appearance/reality
Coming of Age
Courage/Cowardice
Defeat/Victory
Discontent
Duty/Desire
Education
Evil/Good
Faith/Loss of Faith
Title
Family
Fate
Fear
Forgiveness
Freedom
Friendship
Greed
Grief
Honor
Identity/Search for
Identity
Illusion
Individuality
Initiation
Innocence/Loss of
Innocence
Love
Loyalty
Man’s Relationship
with Nature
Materialism
Perseverance
Subject
Power
Prejudice
Pride
Rebellion
Relationships
Revenge
Time
War
Youth
Thematic Ideas
Copyright © 2013 National Math + Science Initiative, Dallas, Texas. All rights reserved. Visit us online at www.nms.org.
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English—Thematic Ideas in Literature
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Copyright © 2013 National Math + Science Initiative, Dallas, Texas. All rights reserved. Visit us online at www.nms.org.