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Stories can connect us all, whether through heartbreaking lyrics, iconic coming-of-age movies or classic novels that still resonate with us in modern times. We often connect so deeply with literature and other works of art because they contain universal themes that relate to our – and everyone’s – life experiences. In this article, we’ll explore exactly how to define universal themes and provide you with a list of universal themes used by writers and artists (along with many famous examples of universal themes). If you’re a teacher or writer yourself, you’ll also find some ideas for teaching or incorporating universal themes into your stories and lessons.
- Universal themes are themes that can relate to a wide audience, regardless of time period or background. Stories can have more than one universal theme.
- Some of the most common universal themes include love, power, justice, change and growing up.
- For example, the universal theme of love is famously present in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a story that continues to connect people five centuries later.
Power The human desire for power (and what people will do to get it) is a common theme in many stories. The theme of power can manifest as the corruption of power, the abuse of power, the struggle for power, or an examination of how the acquisition or loss of power shapes human behavior.[1]
- Themes about power can include authoritative powers such as government, as in George Orwell’s 1984 or Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games.
Society Social themes are broad and may include conformity versus individuality, gender roles, war and peace, or class struggles. These themes often question social structure and norms, especially when it comes to concepts like money and prejudice.
- The role of class and money in society is a central theme in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Only the wealthiest characters survive through the book’s tragic events, showing the privileges that come with money and the consequences for the lower classes.
To change Characters can change personally and transform their identities and lives, or they can experience change in the world around them. The topic of change may also include discussions of the fear of change, the ability of human beings to change, and how inevitable change is throughout life.[2]
- In JD Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, the protagonist fears change but must embrace its inevitability, however difficult it may be.
Justice Some stories are strongly driven by the character’s quest for justice. These characters are motivated by seeking justice for themselves or someone else. Often this theme is combined with a political or ethical message that targets the injustices of our world.[3]
- In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the protagonist’s father seeks justice for a black man who has been unjustly accused of a crime.
Revenge Sometimes called “unjust justice,” themes of revenge use characters motivated by revenge and justice. However, unlike the theme of justice, this character is often in the wrong or morally gray.[4]
- In Emily Brontë’s Hurricane Heights, Heathcliff seeks justice and retribution after his true love marries another. However, his efforts are often cruel and harmful to those around him.
Technology This theme often focuses on technology as an antagonist to the central character or humanity in general. Technology is a popular theme in science fiction novels, where it plays an important role in futuristic worlds and (often dystopian) societies. The use and development of technology can raise other topics about ethics and innovation.[5]
- In 2001: A Space Odyssey, the human crew confronts the ship’s supercomputer, raising questions about digital consciousness, who deserves to live, and why.
Nature When nature is part of the theme of the story, it is often the antagonist or the driving force behind the character’s decision. Characters are often powerless compared to the power of nature and either succumb to it or learn to live with it.[6]
- In Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet, a boy survives a plane crash and must overcome various challenges presented by the wild environment in order to survive.
Coming of age One of the most universal human experiences is growing up and the transition from childhood to adulthood. These stories revolve around a child or teenager becoming an adult, or the main character may be an adult who is maturing in some way or moving on to the next stage of their life.[7]
- In Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, the reader follows Jane from childhood to marriage, witnessing her emotional and inner growth as she discovers her identity and independence.
Loss of virginity Often intertwined with the theme of coming of age, the loss of innocence involves a character losing the childlike lens through which he views the world. For the first time, the character somehow faces the harsh reality of life.[8]
- In Stand By Me, a group of four pre-teen boys embark on a light-hearted adventure to find the body of a missing boy from their town. What begins as a heroic adventure from their perspective turns into a grim lesson about the reality of death.
Redemption The theme of redemption takes a character who has done something wrong or evil and gives them a chance to change. This theme gives some hope to the reader, who can take away the message that everyone is capable of making mistakes and deserves a second chance.[9]
- In Ian McEwan’s Atonement, the central character makes a mistake as a child that results in tragedy for the rest of the cast. He spends the rest of his life dealing with the consequences and trying to find redemption.
Good versus evil The classic theme of good versus evil pits protagonists against antagonists, often to cause some sort of moral dilemma. The antagonist can be a villain character or some evil force, such as discrimination or greed.[10]
- In Harry Potter, for example, the forces of good and evil are represented by Harry Potter and Voldemort. Voldemort is clearly an evil character who attacks the good-hearted protagonists of the story.
- Other stories take a more nuanced approach to good and evil, like in Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, where Thanos believes his terrifying goal of wiping out half the Earth will serve the greater good.
Fate vs. Free Will This universal theme questions whether your identity is predetermined or can change based on your life choices. Characters can choose to accept their fate or fight for their free will.[11]
- In works of literature such as Macbeth and Oedipus Rex, characters become victims of self-fulfilling prophecies where their attempts to escape their fate are the reason why their fate eventually comes true.
Faith Faith-themed stories explore spirituality and the human drive to find meaning in life. In addition to religious beliefs, this topic can also refer to belief in a spiritual entity, political systems, or cultural traditions. A protagonist or character can lose faith or find a new one.[12]
- Barbara Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible explores faith in terms of how far people will go to keep their faith, as the father of the central family tries to do as a missionary in Africa.
Perseverance Stories of perseverance focus on the power of pushing forward and never giving up. They also tell the reader that hard work will pay off with determination and resilience. These stories often feature an underdog who is considered unlikely to succeed but ends up achieving his goals.[13]
- In the Rocky film franchise, Rocky is an aspiring boxer with little natural talent who faces off against a superstar boxing champion. He finds victory by believing in himself and training hard, making him a textbook loser.
Knowledge and education Humanity universally strives for understanding, wisdom and learning. This topic sometimes includes human progress and scientific discoveries. It often emphasizes the role of education in personal growth, empowerment or blind conformity.
- In Dead Poets Society, for example, the head teacher tries to teach his students to think for themselves and feel inspired by what they learn, rather than acquiring knowledge by rote and obedience.[14]
Family and friendship Family themes often question the true meaning of family, whether that definition includes only blood relations or something more. Characters can meet family members, lose family members, strengthen their family ties, or discover found family.[15]
- In Lilo and Stitch, the central message is that family means never leaving or forgetting anyone. This thematic statement involves found family, as Lil’s family brings Stitch into their family unit and makes him feel like he belongs.
Romantic love Themes about love can explore unrequited love, unrequited love, true love, or any other form of romantic relationship. Love can be shown both in its positive effects and in the ways it causes heartbreak and betrayal.[16]
- In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the titular couple’s love is strongly felt but forbidden, and the young lovers choose death over life without each other.
- In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the conflict between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy comes from their inner traits (ie his pride and her prejudices). However, in the end they find their happy ending.
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