English 10
Thematic Connections in Literature
A Comparison of Themes in Cultural Literature
Themes
Resistance: the
ever-present will
within a person to
struggle against the
state of oppression.
Extended Family /
Community: The
significance of the
extended family and/or
community in
maintaining culture,
values, history.
Ambition: The
desire to acquire more,
either materially or
characteristically.
Loyalty: a
character’s (or group)
ability to remain true to
his/her own values, or
to be a true friend.
Of Mice and
Men
John Steinbeck
Circular Novella
Purple
Hibiscus
Chimamanda
Ngozi Adichie
Life of Pi
Yann Martel
Canadian
Novel
A Lesson Before
Dying Ernest
Gaines
Novel
The
Autobiography
of Malcolm X
(excerpt)
Julius Caesar
William
Shakespeare
Tragedy
The Odyssey
Homer
Epic Poem
Betrayal: analyze
the reasons why a
character (or a group)
might betray his/her
values/beliefs; or
betray a friend.
Change: the way in
which a character
evolves from the
beginning of the story
to the end. Perhaps the
character had to face
something, or learn
something in order for
him/her to transform in
some way.
Racism /
Classism/
Feminism: the
extent to which the
ism’s dictate how a
character is perceived
or treated.
Pride: Consider how
one’s pride affects their
treatment of others, or
even tolerance of
others. Consider how
pride (hubris) can lead
to the downfall of a
person.
Culture: A
characters’ culture
defines his/her values
and possibly even
his/her motivations.
Faith: what is the
role of spirituality or
religious values in the
story and how might
this be a source of
conflict?
Good and Evil:
does one triumph over
the other? What are the
factors at play that can
cause this conflict?
Traditions:
Consider the role of
traditions / customs as
a main idea in the text.
Justice/Injustice