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Theme, Motif, and Moral 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.
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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.
Friendship makes the difficulties and disappointments of life more bearable. A person’s dreams provide purpose and hope in one’s life. Examples of themes from Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men:
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.
Friendship Loneliness Dreams Prejudice Examples of motifs in Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men:
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.