Subject Matter in Literature: What's it all about?
Subject matter in literature refers to the topic, theme, or idea that a literary work explores. It's the "what" of the story, the central focus that drives the narrative and shapes the characters' actions, motivations, and relationships.
Here's a breakdown of what subject matter encompasses:
1. The Core Idea:
This is the fundamental concept the work centers around. Examples include:
* Love and Relationships: "Romeo and Juliet," "Pride and Prejudice"
* War and Conflict: "The Iliad," "The Things They Carried"
* Social Issues: "To Kill a Mockingbird," "The Handmaid's Tale"
* Nature and the Environment: "Moby Dick," "The Lord of the Rings"
* Identity and Belonging: "The Catcher in the Rye," "The House on Mango Street"
2. The Specific Events and Circumstances:
These are the details that flesh out the core idea and create the narrative. Examples include:
* A historical event: The American Civil War in "Gone with the Wind"
* A specific location: The fictional town of Maycomb in "To Kill a Mockingbird"
* A particular time period: The Victorian era in "Jane Eyre"
3. The Characters and Their Journeys:
The characters embody the subject matter through their actions, struggles, and growth. Their experiences and motivations are intertwined with the core ideas and themes explored in the work.
4. The Themes:
Themes are the broader ideas or messages about life, society, or human nature that emerge from the subject matter. They are often abstract and open to interpretation.
How Subject Matter Shapes a Literary Work:
* Guides the narrative: The subject matter dictates the events, conflicts, and resolutions of the story.
* Influences character development: Characters are shaped by the themes and challenges presented by the subject matter.
* Determines tone and style: The subject matter can dictate the mood and tone of the work, influencing the author's language, imagery, and overall approach.
* Provides a lens for exploring broader ideas: The subject matter serves as a platform to examine universal truths, ethical dilemmas, and complex societal issues.
Understanding the subject matter of a literary work helps readers gain a deeper appreciation for its meaning, understand the author's intent, and connect with the characters and their experiences on a more profound level.