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.