A literary text's theme is a main idea or message that is communicated to the reader through the characters, plot, and environment. It is the meaning or goal of a narrative, and it can have various effects on the characters, plot, and readership of a literary work. Here are two examples from two literary works that demonstrate this.
J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" is an example of a literary work that uses theme to affect the plot and characters. The novel's central theme is the loss of innocence and the transition into adulthood, which has a significant impact on the plot and characters.
Holden Caulfield, the main character, is a teen who has been expelled from his prep school and is trying to find his place in the world. Throughout
…show more content…
The theme of loss of innocence impacts the story and characters in a number of different ways. It is a source of anxiety and confusion for Holden, and his struggle to come to terms with it drives the plot of the novel. The theme also has an impact on other characters in the story, for example Holden's sister, who symbolizes the innocence that Holden is protecting. The theme of loss of innocence has a wider effect on the audience. Many readers will identify with Salinger's depiction of the difficulties of growing up and the loss of childhood youth.
The theme of the American Dream influences both the story and the characters in John
Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men." In "Of Mice and Men," George and Lennie's desire to own their own farm and live off the land represents the American Dream. The American Dream is the belief that through hard work and determination, anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success. The theme influences the plot by instilling hope and potential. Throughout the novel, George and Lennie's dream of owning a farm motivates and inspires them. It is a symbol of possibility for them.
However, the American Dream also has a negative impact on the characters. When
…show more content…
The theme of the American Dream influences both the plot and the characters in "Of Mice and Men." It provides them with a sense of possibility and hope, but also of grim realities and isolation.
Both books include main characters who struggle to find a place in society. There is a struggle and a similar theme with isolation and loneliness in both "Catcher in the Rye" and "Of Mice and
Men". However, the structure of both novels is different. In "Catcher in the Rye," the narrative is told in first person, meanwhile, "Of Mice and Men" is told in third person, which allows the reader to view the novel from different points of view. The overall tone in “Catcher in the Rye” is cynical; he uses sarcasm to make fun of the people he encounters. Meanwhile, in “Of Mice and Men” the tone is melancholy. The novel demonstrates the harsh realities of being a migrant worker during the Great Depression. However, both novels share a similar tone in nostalgia.
Holden is reflective and reflects on his past while, In “Of Mice and Men” George and Lennie reflect on a time when life was much simpler and people were connected to each other.
In conclusion, both novels have distinct differences, but they share similarities in terms of