Understanding and writing about themes in English literature is essential and a common part of various essay assignments in most classes. Themes are the central ideas or underlying messages in a work of literature, and they’re often subtle, complex, and open to interpretation. Whether tackling a paper or just preparing for class discussions, these tips and tricks will help you unlock the deeper meanings of a text. Plus, we’ve included examples and links to helpful resources on eNotes.com so you can dive deeper into your assignments.
1. Ask the Big Questions
Themes often emerge from the big questions a text raises. As you read, ask yourself:
- What is this story trying to say about human nature, society, or the world?
- Are there recurring ideas, symbols, or conflicts that hint at a deeper message?
For example, in To Kill a Mockingbird, questions about justice and morality point to themes of racial prejudice and the loss of innocence. Explore themes in To Kill a Mockingbird on eNotes.
2. Look for Patterns
Pay attention to repetition in the text. Authors often reinforce themes through recurring motifs, symbols, and character actions. If something keeps showing up, it’s probably important.
Take F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock and Gatsby’s obsession with the past point to themes of unattainable dreams and the corruption of the American Dream. Read more about the themes in The Great Gatsby on eNotes.
3. Examine Conflicts
Themes are often tied to the central conflicts in a story. Is the protagonist struggling against society, nature, or themselves? These struggles can illuminate key themes.
For example, in George Orwell’s 1984, Winston’s battle against a totalitarian regime reveals themes of oppression, surveillance, and the fragility of truth. Learn more about 1984‘s themes on eNotes.
4. Pay Attention to Character Journeys
Themes are often reflected in how characters change (or don’t change) over the course of a story. Ask yourself:
- What lessons do characters learn?
- How do their decisions reflect the broader messages of the text?
In Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper, the narrator’s descent into madness highlights themes of gender inequality and the harmful effects of oppression. Unpack the themes in The Yellow Wallpaper on eNotes.
5. Connect Themes to Historical and Cultural Contexts
Themes often emerge from the time and place in which a work was written. Consider the historical and cultural background of the author and the text.
For instance, Toni Morrison’s Beloved explores themes of slavery, motherhood, and memory, all deeply connected to the historical legacy of American slavery. Delve into Beloved‘s themes on eNotes.
6. Practice Writing About Themes
Once you’ve identified a theme, writing about it effectively is the next step. Here’s a quick formula:
- Introduce the theme and explain its significance.
- Provide specific evidence from the text (e.g., quotes, events, or character actions).
- Analyze how this evidence supports your interpretation of the theme.
7. Use eNotes as Your Go-To Resource
Need help getting started or finding examples? eNotes offers detailed theme analyses for countless works of literature. Whether you’re exploring classics like Pride and Prejudice or contemporary works like The Hunger Games, our guides break down the major themes and provide the context you need to ace your assignments. We have themes for every work of literature we cover.
Discovering and writing about themes doesn’t have to be intimidating. By asking the right questions, looking for patterns, and using resources like eNotes, you can confidently analyze and discuss the deeper meanings in any text. Happy reading—and writing!