Post on 29-Jan-2016
Theme, Motif, and Theme, Motif, and Moral in LiteratureMoral in LiteratureTheme, Motif, and Theme, Motif, and Moral in LiteratureMoral in Literature
What is the definition of theme in literature? • Theme is the main idea or message
about mankind or life conveyed by a piece of literary work.
• A theme should be expressed by a complete sentence, thought, or idea rather than just one word.
• Not every piece of literature has a theme.
• A theme can be the “moral” of a story, or lesson, but it does not have to be.
How does the reader identify the theme ?
• The theme may be stated clearly in the story or implied through the story’s plot.
• The theme might be presented by the actions, thoughts and feelings of the main characters.
• The theme might be deep or difficult to understand.
• The reader may slowly come to realize the theme of a story as she processes the text and reads the story in its entirety, all the way through to the end.
Examples of themes from Steinbeck’s Of Mice and
Men:• Friendship makes
the difficulties and
disappointments of life more bearable.
• A person’s dreams provide purpose and hope in one’s life.
What is motif in a piece of literature?
• Motif is a recurring object, concept, or structure in a piece of literature.
• Unlike a theme, a motif can be expressed in a single word or fragment.
Examples of motifs in Steinbeck’s Of Mice and
Men: • Friendship • Loneliness
• Dreams• Prejudice
What is a moral in a piece of literature?
• A moral is a practical lesson about right and wrong.
• A rule for how to behave or how to act.
• Not all stories have a moral or a lesson to be learned.