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Themes

Themes. In American Literature. Theme. Theme refers to universal views on life and society that can be discerned from the reading of a text. Theme. The theme is not the same as the main idea, which focuses strictly on the content. The theme is also not the same as the plot.

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Themes

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  1. Themes In American Literature

  2. Theme • Theme refers to universal views on life and society that can be discerned from the reading of a text.

  3. Theme • The theme is not the same as the main idea, which focuses strictly on the content. • The theme is also not the same as the plot. • Most literary works have one or more themes that are expressed through the plot.

  4. Theme • To help you identify a work’s theme or themes, you might ask yourself: • Why did the author have this happen? • What point do you think the author was trying to make? • What greater significance might this event have?

  5. Themes in American Literature • There are certainthemesthat arecharacteristicofAmerican literature. • Let’s take a look at them so we will be aware of them as we start learning the literary movements.

  6. Theme: Individualism • American individualism is one of the most pervasive (enveloping, all-encompassing) themes in American literature. • self-reliance, depend on one’s self, independent, unique • The colonists who first arrived in North America came seeking freedom to practice their individual religion.

  7. Theme: Individualism • Others came looking for opportunities that they could not get in closed, class-based societies. • Since those early days, Americans have celebrated individual ambition and achievement. The self-made man is a common theme in American literature.

  8. Theme: The American Dream • American individualism is closely linked to the American dream, the idea that anyone in the United States can become whatever he or she wants to become.

  9. Theme: The American Dream • Generally, the American dream includes achieving a certain level of prosperity through hard work, determination, and perseverance.

  10. Theme: Cultural Diversity • Cultural diversity is also a universal theme in American literature. • Although there are examples to the contrary, America has always welcomed individuals of diverse backgrounds to the United States.

  11. Theme: Cultural Diversity • A central metaphor for the United States is that of the milting pot, where different groups of people come together to become Americans. • Some people argue that the United States is more like a salad bowl, where each element retains its separate identity while making up part of the whole

  12. Theme: Cultural Diversity • Whether you are a melting pot or a salad bowl believer, you cannot deny that American literature reflects this cultural diversity

  13. Theme: Tolerance • Tolerance is another theme found in American literature. • Religious tolerance was one of the earliest principles in American life. • Much of American literature discusses how well America and its citizens have done in their quest for tolerance for many things other than just religion.

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