5 Literary Themes You Should Know for Year 9-10 English

In this article, we’ll break down the top 5 literary themes you may come across in Year 9 and 10 English. We’ll also explain exactly how to analyse them effectively. By mastering these key themes in English, you’ll be well-prepared to boost your marks and write high-scoring responses.

Table of contents:

• What is a theme in literature?
• Why are themes important in Year 9-10 English?
• Key literary themes in Year 9-10 English texts
• How to analyse literary themes in English
• Examples of strong theme statements

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What is a theme in literature?

In literature, a theme is the central idea or message the author wants readers to think about. It’s not just what happens in the story but what the story is really about at a deeper level. 

Themes often reflect shared human experiences or ideas about life, society, or human nature. For example, themes like friendship, courage, or justice, are aspects of life we all experience.

Knowing how to identify and discuss themes is a valuable skill. It helps you connect with what the author is trying to say and shows you’ve thought about the story on a deeper level.

Quick definition: A theme is the main idea or lesson in a story. It’s what the story is “about” in a way that’s meant to make readers think.

Why are themes important in Year 9-10 English?

In Year 9 and 10, studying themes helps you see what’s beneath the surface of a story. The Victorian English curriculum includes themes because they show how authors reflect on real issues. 

For example, a theme like justice or friendship isn’t just an idea. It’s something that affects the characters and drives the story forward.

Learning to talk about themes in your English essays can really improve your marks. If you’re aiming for top marks, discussing themes shows that you understand the deeper layers of a text.

Key literary themes in Year 9-10 English texts

Here are some common themes in literature that you may see in Year 9 and Year 10 texts. Each one is followed by examples and ideas on how to analyse the writing themes.

1. Identity and self-discovery

• What it’s about: This theme explores characters figuring out who they are and where they belong in the world.
• Text examples: Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta and The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton both focus on young characters struggling with identity and finding their place.
• Analysing tip: Look at how the characters’ actions and decisions reveal shifts in who they think they are. Notice how relationships or challenges make them question who they want to be.

2. Courage and resilience

• What it’s about: This theme focuses on characters who face difficult situations and find the strength to keep going.
• Text examples: In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, courage is a huge theme as characters stand up for what’s right.
• Analysing tip: Think about what the author is saying about courage. How do characters show bravery? How do their actions affect other characters?

3. Power and oppression

• What it’s about: This theme explores the use and misuse of power and its effects on people and society.
• Text examples: George Orwell’s Animal Farm uses animals on a farm to show how power can corrupt and lead to oppression.
• Analysing tip: Look at which characters have power and how they use it. Think about whether the author is sending a message about what happens when power is abused.

4. Friendship and loyalty

• What it’s about: This theme explores the bonds between friends and the ways those bonds help characters through tough times.
• Text examples: The friendship in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck shows loyalty, sacrifice, and the choices friends sometimes have to make.
• Analysing tip: Notice how the author uses friendship to show deeper ideas like survival or morality. How does loyalty affect the characters’ actions and decisions?

5. Justice and injustice

• What it’s about: This theme focuses on the characters’ struggles with what is fair and unfair and how they try to set things right.
• Text examples: To Kill a Mockingbird is a well-known example where the characters deal with racial injustice and moral integrity.
• Analysing tip: Look at how the characters respond to unfair situations. What is the author trying to say about justice? Does the setting and era influence how justice is shown?

How to analyse literary themes in English

If you’re aiming for high marks, go beyond just finding the theme and think about how the author shows it. More importantly, think about why the theme is there. Here’s a simple guide:

Step 1: Identify the theme

To uncover a theme, try looking beyond the obvious ideas and pay attention to underlying patterns or messages. Here are some ways to identify themes, including ones that other students might overlook:

1. Look for repeated ideas: If certain ideas, symbols, or images come up again and again, they’re likely connected to a theme. For example, if a story keeps referring to “freedom” or “walls,” it could be exploring the theme of freedom vs. confinement.
2. Focus on conflicts: Themes in English class often come out through conflicts or key decisions. Ask yourself: What problems or choices do the characters face, and how do they handle them? For example, if a character is always having trust issues, the text may be exploring themes of loyalty or betrayal.
3. See what affects you personally: Sometimes, the themes you feel most connected to can be the ones others miss. Ask yourself: Does this text remind me of real-life situations or things that matter to me? For example, if you relate to a character’s struggle with fitting in, it might suggest a theme about identity or belonging.
4. Discuss with friends: What ideas would you bring up if you talked about the text with someone? If you feel the need to talk about the author’s message, how characters change, or how a certain event impacts everyone, those points often hint at a theme.

Now that you’ve identified the theme(s), steps 2-5 show you what aspects you can look out for and include in your analysis to score higher marks.

Step 2: Look at characters and their actions

• Characters show themes: See how characters’ journeys reflect the theme. For example, Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird slowly goes from innocence to a deeper understanding of racial prejudice.
• Character growth: Look for changes in characters as they come across moral dilemmas or challenging situations. See how the theme influences the characters’ choices and growth.

Step 3: Analyse symbols and motifs

• Symbols reveal themes: Some items or images in the story might represent a theme. For example, in Lord of the Flies, the conch shell symbolises order and rules, aligning with the theme of the breakdown of society.
• Motifs reinforce themes: Recurring elements like colours, objects, or phrases often hint at a theme. It’s like how light and darkness often reflect good vs. evil.

Step 4: Think about setting and context

• Context matters: The time and place of a story can influence and add depth to a theme. For example, you need to understand 1930s America to properly analyse the themes of racial injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird.
• Setting as a theme: Sometimes the setting itself reflects the theme, like a dystopian world showing the dangers of control or oppression.

Step 5: Give your own unique twist

• Link themes to today’s issues: To make your analysis stand out, try to connect the text’s theme to a current issue or event. This can show advanced critical thinking.
• Offer a unique view: Go beyond the obvious interpretations. Think about how the theme might make readers see things differently.

Always use evidence from the text, like quotes or character actions, to substantiate your analysis.

Examples of strong theme statements

Making a strong theme statement shows your understanding clearly. Here are some examples:

• “In The Outsiders, Hinton shows that real courage means doing what’s right, even if it means going against societal expectations.”
• “Through Lennie and George’s friendship in Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck explores how loyalty can be both a strength and a tragic flaw.”

To make your theme statement stand out, try to show how the theme interacts with other elements, like symbolism or character arcs. Show why the theme matters within the story and to broader society.

Analysing literary themes at an advanced level not only helps you with Year 9-10 English but also builds skills like critical thinking, which are useful everywhere. 

By mastering theme analysis, you can make powerful connections and present ideas clearly—skills that will help you stand out.

Make character and theme analysis easier

To help with your theme analysis, download our FREE Character and Theme Analysis Planner. It has tips and templates for simplifying characters, themes, and events to make your analysis clear and organised.

Free Year 9-10 Character and Themes Analysis Planner

An easy guide to understanding characters and themes in English.

Download now

Free Year 9-10 Character and Themes Analysis Planner

Fill out your details below to get this resource emailed to you.

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*

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Grade in 2025*

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