Popular Themes in Literature
Whether fiction or nonfiction, or prose or poetry, most literature has a theme. Scholars argue that there are dozens of possible themes, but here are some of the most popular ones.
- GOOD VERSUS EVIL
This theme pits a protagonist against an antagonist. It's typical hero versus villain. It could be man against man, or man against nature, or any two forces where a conflict exists between them. - REVENGE
In this theme, one person is out to square things up against someone who they feel has wronged them. It could be related to love, politics, religion, or a different subject entirely. - FATE
The fate theme relies on an act of chance to set everything else -- mood, plot, dialogue, et cetera -- for the rest of the work. Often with this theme, someone in a good situation ends up with an unhappy ending, or vice versa. - LOVE or FRIENDSHIP
This theme could be romantic or platonic. It could be a story about a couple who falls madly in love, or about a pair of friends who go through some kind of situation together. - JOURNEY
In this theme, someone (often the main character) goes on a journey throughout the course of the work. The journey does not have to be literal; it could be spiritual or emotional as well. - MYSTERY
This theme usually has a plot that involves figuring out some kind of puzzle. Some even involve crimes, like theft or murder.
No matter what kind of theme you choose for your works when writing, just stick with it through the last chapter. Even if you mix two or more themes (journey and love, friendship and mystery, etc.) you can make it work by staying true to the themes with all the other elements -- plot, dialogue, character development, et cetera.
Good luck, and thanks for reading!