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How do we find the themes of any novel or story?

In: Books and Literature [Edit categories]

Answer:

1. Follow the protagonist. Anything she is supposed to learn about herself or a problem is usually an important theme.

2. Look for any patterns or repeating ideas (i.e. Poe's use of heightened senses)

3. Look at the genre - every genre has pre-packaged themes

4. What mistakes must characters learn from, or difficult decisions must they wrestle with?

5. Analyze the conflict (man vs. man, society, himself, nature, supernatural, technology...at the heart of the conflict is often a theme the author wants you to chew on)

First answer by ID2815333011. Last edit by ID2815333011. Question popularity: 10 [recommend question].

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