Top 20 Common Universal Themes In Literature

What’s this book about? You would have heard this question many times while reading a book. Because themes are the crux of literature.

All themes resonate, but some resonate more because they capture human emotions shared by all of us, regardless of our backgrounds or circumstances.

These universal themes make us see a part of ourselves reflected in the stories we read—the emotions, struggles, and triumphs that we all share.

These universal themes are the heart and soul of literature. In this article, I discuss the 20 most common universal themes. We will also see how the types of sentences used by authors can help convey these complex ideas more clearly.

Top 20 Common Universal Themes In Literature

These themes are timeless because they speak to topics that connect people across different times, cultures, and experiences. Anywhere there are people, these stories have meaning. Starting with thoughtful sentences can help you explore these themes more deeply and discover new ideas.

1. Love and romance

Who hasn’t been in love? It is the most powerful emotion in humans and drives many of our decisions. This theme spans time. The love stories in the early forms of literature are still read, and every culture has a version.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare was written in 1616. Since then hundreds—if not thousands—of times have been recreated in theaters, cinemas, and even plays.

2. Good vs. evil

The struggle between good and evil is one of the oldest themes in literature. It is everywhere—in mythologies and religious texts—and still appears in modern stories too.

But what makes this theme so compelling? Because it makes us challenge our own beliefs and morals. Compound complex sentences are often used by authors to highlight the depth of these moral struggles.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowlings is the latest and most popular series in this theme. Overall, Paradise Lost by John Milton, written in 1667, is one of the most popular books in this genre.

3. Courage and heroism

Every single one of us wants to be a hero. So, this theme resonates very well when reading about someone doing what we are not able to do.

It is about our desire to overcome difficulties, even when the odds are against us.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) is a great example of that. Its character, Atticus Finch, is portrayed as a hero many desire to be.

4. The journey and quest for identity

We humans are always searching for our true selves, aren’t we? Several pieces of literature have highlighted this human nature in many ways. There are many literal and metaphorical depictions available on this topic.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, published in 1988, is a common example. You must have heard of it.

5. Loss and grief

Loss is a part of life. Nobody can say they haven’t lost anything in life ever. So, this theme resonates with all of us, right? It is a universal need to process and understand the pain of losing loved ones.

The Lovely Bones, a novel by Alice Sebold (2002), gives readers insight into the complex process of grieving.

6. Coming of age

Do you remember the moment you first felt like an adult? This theme centers on that transition time. The time filled with challenges, mistakes, and lessons. Reading this theme is like learning from others' mistakes.

Moreover, the expander tool is great for developing more clear descriptions of these personal changes. It will lengthen your story and make it interesting and relevant. 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is the story of a girl growing up struggling to find freedom.

7. Power and corruption

It is said that “all power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Power dynamics has been a hot topic in human societies from the beginning. This theme narrates the dangers of letting power go unchallenged.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding in 1954 is a beautiful depiction of the abuse of power.

8. Survival

Survival is in the instinct of human beings. Wherever there is a danger or a dangerous situation, there is a story of a person who somehow survived it.

Have you watched the movie Hunger Games? It is based on the novel Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It highlights the human spirit’s ability to endure even the harshest.

9. Friendship and loyalty

Humans are social animals. We live in societies, make friends, and share experiences. Literature on friendship and loyalty reminds us of the importance of companionship, trust, and shared experiences.

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White (1952) celebrates friendship and loyalty. It shows the lengths we go to for those we care about.

10. Justice and injustice

Is life always fair? Most of us would say no. It’s a way for literature to hold a mirror up to society, forcing us to think about the injustices we do.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee explores this theme effectively.

11. Freedom and confinement

Freedom is a basic human right. And we want to read about it. Because almost every part of the world has ancestors who have fought for it. We want to remember their sacrifices.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey captures this tension perfectly.

12. Redemption and forgiveness

We always say, “Everyone makes mistakes. Nobody’s perfect.” And we just do not say that; we believe it. That is why novels on this theme are so popular.

Atonement by Ian McEwan is a powerful reminder of our need for second chances.

13. Isolation and alienation

There are times when we feel isolated and disconnected from others. This theme reveals the inner struggles we face in those times.

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman highlights the mental effects of isolation.

14. Prejudice

Prejudice is in the nature of human beings. It is unfortunate, but it really is a part of us. With this theme, we examine the reasons behind prejudice and learn tolerance.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a popular romance novel that touches on prejudice as well.

15. Family and relationships

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything”—Michael J. Fox. This theme celebrates familial love, loyalty, envy, rivalry, and conflict. These stories make us appreciate our relationships and bonds with our loved ones.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott are very popular books in this genre.

16. Fate and free will

This theme questions the amount of control we have in our lives. Readers examine how fate shapes our lives and whether our actions can ever change our destinies.

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles is one of the most well-known works on this theme. It is still popular even though it was written back in 429 BC.

17. Spirituality and religion

Whether you are a religious person or not, spirituality is your instinct. Probing the mysteries of life always fascinates humans. Isn’t it fascinating that we have been on Earth for thousands of years now, and we are still looking for our purpose?

Man’s Search for Meaning has been quite popular since its release in 1946 by Viktor Frankl.

18. Sacrifice

Sacrifice is always a deeply moving theme. They portray characters who give their most precious thing for the greater good. What would you give up for someone you love?

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry is about a couple’s selfless act for each other. It was published in 1905.

19. Dreams and ambitions

Our actions are driven by our dreams and ambitions. These stories often center on characters who did something extraordinary to achieve something they desired. It gives us motivation to work harder and believe in our dreams.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) is a great piece of literature on this theme.

20. Nature and civilization

This theme is about humans and their relationship with nature. This is again spiritual, as this theme touches on our purpose on Earth and what nature demands from us.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen from 1987 is a survival story that highlights both the beauty and dangers of nature.

Conclusion: Why do themes matter?

So, why are these themes so touching? Because they connect us. Each theme describes a part of our life—love, struggle, morals, religion, hope, etc.

Reading literature, we recall our journeys, which remind us we share the highs and lows of life.
If you have a life story for people to relate to, literature is the best way to share that. You don’t have to be a writer. Just use the paragraph generator and write like a professional writer.

These universal themes make us see ourselves in someone else’s story, allowing us to connect, feel, and heal.
That is why, no matter how many years go by, we will always enjoy them.

So, read them and even try to write one too!