Finding Themes in Literature
Most synonyms for theme are topic, idea, subject, issue, and point.
Point is a good way to think about theme. The theme is the point, or
reason, for writing a story. Some people think of theme as the
message or meaning.
Most Common Themes in Literature
Art
Beauty
Bravery
Death
Faith
Family
Fear
Freedom
Giving
Greed
Growing Up
Heroism
Honesty
Hope
Identity
Independence
Justice
Knowledge
Law
Loss
Love
Money
Nature
Peace
Poverty
Pride
Religion
Sacrifice
Sacrifice
The Future
Truth
War
Wisdom
There are eight themes used in O’Henry’s, “The Gift of the Magi.” We
have discussed at least two in class, but you may not realize what we
were discussing.
For example: O’Henry uses sacrifice as the literary element, theme, in
“The Gift of the Magi.” Jim and Della sacrifice their most prized
possessions to give the other a nice Christmas gift. Jim sells his
pocket watch to buy hair combs for Della. Della sells her long hair to
buy a chain for Jim’s watch. Therefore, sacrifice is one theme in “The
Gift of the Magi.”
Homework due tomorrow:
From the above list, find seven other themes used by O’Henry in “The
Gift of the Magi.” Support your choices in full sentences for each
theme using Standard Formal English as in the example.