CATEGORY ： English 12 Universal Themes of Literary 2006/12/30 Sat TB ： CM ： 0 △

Five common themes that occur in literature are; victimization, alienation, isolation, assimilation, quest.
More than one universal theme can be found in any piece of literature.
There are other themes which can be recognized and discussed.

Note: Each theme refers to a major event or situation which effects a character in a story, novel, play or film. They also occur in real life.

Victimizatioin

VICTIMIZATION is understood to be anything that hurts a character in any way. Victimization could result in a character being hurt emotionally or physically.
Victimization is identified when a character suffers in any way, or experiences a loss.
A character could be a victim of circumstances (Things which happen which are unexpected).

Alienation

ALIENATION is understood to be any action taken to leep a person from joining in with a group or a community. When a character is alienated, he/she feels like they don't belong; they feel unwanted by others. Some causes of alienation can be gender/race/class.
Important: A person can be alienated where in the middle of a crowd; a group; a class; while moving about in society.
People's negative attitudes cause alienation.

Isolation

ISOLATION means to be physically kept away from some place. To be kept in one area (ex: prison) away from others is an example of Isolation. To be living in a distant place, miles away from a city or a town without good transportation is an another example of isolation. Cities which have an "inner city" or a "ghetto" area where mainly poor or black or other minority people live is an example of Isolation as well. Bigotry/Racism/Prejudice can be a cause of isolation.
Note: Isolation refers to PHYSICAL separation; including being separated by DISTANCE, or geography.

Assimilation

ASSIMILATION is identified as being welcome completely into a group, a community, a social situation, into society. Assimilation means that all barriers are broken down and that the person is welcomed and blends in with all others. Assimilation is helped to work by learning a language (if necessary); learning local slang and customs; adopting the habits and a hitudes of the group that you join.

Quest

To have a QUEST means to have a goal or a dream that you go after; or to o on a search for something in your life. A person may have a quest for identify, or justice; for truth; for friendship; for knowledge; for peace of mind.MBR< Quest may take you on a journey as you search for something; or may be an innersearch within the person's mind; or a search for peace of mind, or dream.