Literary Analysis: Theme and Philosophical Assumptions The theme of a literary work is the central message it communicates. To express a theme, a writer may take one of these approaches: (1) directly state the theme of the work, or have a character directly state it; or (2) create patterns of story elements to suggest a larger meaning. Themes that appeal to all times and cultures are universal themes. In many cases, a theme reflects a philosophical assumptionthe writers basic beliefs about life. The writers literary work may reflect these beliefs. A. DIRECTIONS: Write Achebes philosophical assumption in Civil Peace. Then, explain how three major events in the story reflect this philosophical assumption. Finally, write the central theme in your own words. Philosophical assumption: _________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ First major event and how it reflects Achebes assumption: _________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Second major event and how it reflects Achebes assumption: _________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Third major event and how it reflects Achebes assumption: _________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Theme: _________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ B. DIRECTIONS: Achebes theme in Civil Peace is a universal theme. In other words, it has meaning in all times and for all cultures. Explain how this theme applies to modern life in the United States. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________