Love and friendship are frequently occurring themes in literature. They generate emotional twists and turns in a narrative and can lead to a variety of endings: happy, sad or bittersweet. The following are famous literary works with love and friendship themes:
Romeo and Juliet by WilliamShakespeareWuthering Heights by Emily BronteAnna Karenina by Leo TolstoySense and Sensibility by Jane AustenPride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Example #2
The theme of war has been explored in literature since ancient times. The literary woks utilizing this theme may either glorify or criticize the idea of war. Most recent literary works portray war as a curse for humanity due to the suffering it inflicts. Some famous examples are:
Iliad and Odyssey by HomerWar and Peace by Leo TolstoyGone with the Wind by Margaret MitchellA Farewell to Arms by Ernest HemingwayArms and the Man by Bernard ShawA Band of Brothers: Stories from Vietnam by Walter McDonald
Example #3
Crime and mystery are utilized in detective novels. Such narratives also include sub-themes such as "crimes cannot be hidden", "evil is always punished" etc. Some well-known crime and mystery theme examples are:
The Murders in the Rue Morgueby Edgar Allan PoeSherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan DoyleBleak House by Charles DickensMurder on the Orient Express by Agatha ChristieDa Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Example #4
Revenge is another recurrent theme found in many popular literary works. A character comes across certain circumstances that make him aware of his need for revenge. The outcome of his action is often bitter but sometimes they may end up being satisfied. Examples are:
Hamlet and Macbeth by William ShakespeareThe Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander DumasThe Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg LarssonA Time to Kill by John Grisham
Function of Theme
Theme is an element of a story that binds together various other essential elements of a narrative. It is a truth that exhibits universality and stands true for people of all cultures. Theme gives readers better understanding of the main character's conflicts, experiences, discoveries and emotions as they are derived from them. Through themes, a writer tries to give his readers an insight into how the world works or how he or she views human life
