Common Books & Themes

Question 2

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Gothic novel exploring themes of isolation

Answer 2

ambition

Question 3

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen A romantic novel analyzing themes of love

Answer 3

marriage

Question 4

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Answer 4

Modernist novella examining imperialism and human nature through Marlow’s journey into the Congo.

Question 5

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Answer 5

Modernist novel critiquing the American Dream through Jay Gatsby’s obsession with wealth and Daisy Buchanan.

Question 6

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Answer 6

Coming-of-age novel exploring themes of alienation and authenticity through the experiences of Holden Caulfield.

Question 7

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Answer 7

Historical fiction examining memory, guilt, and the haunting legacy of slavery through the character of Sethe.

Question 8

The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot

Answer 8

Modernist poem delving into alienation, indecision, and disillusionment.

Question 9

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

Answer 9

Narrative Gothic poem exploring grief and madness, symbolized by the repeated word “Nevermore.”

Question 10

A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams

Answer 10

Tragedy analyzing class conflict, mental illness, and societal decay through Blanche and Stanley.

Question 11

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Answer 11

Historical drama using the Salem Witch Trials as an allegory for McCarthyism and mass hysteria.

Question 12

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Answer 12

Tragic play exploring themes of revenge, indecision, and madness through the story of Prince Hamlet.

Question 13

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Answer 13

Historical fiction examining colonialism’s impact on Nigerian culture through the life of Okonkwo.

Question 14

The Mahabharata

Answer 14

Indian epic exploring dharma, morality, and family conflict through the Pandavas and Kauravas.

Question 15

Existentialism and the Human Condition

Answer 15

Theme addressing the search for meaning, human suffering, and existence. Example: Waiting for Godot

Question 16

Love and Relationships

Answer 16

Theme exploring romantic, familial, and societal relationships. Example: Pride and Prejudice

Question 17

Society and Class

Answer 17

Theme examining individual vs. societal pressures and social mobility. Example: Of Mice and Men

Question 18

Identity and Self-Discovery

Answer 18

Theme involving personal growth or struggles with purpose. Example: The Bell Jar

Question 19

Analyze Symbolism

Answer 19

Examine how symbols (e.g. “darkness” in Heart of Darkness) convey deeper meanings

Question 20

Discuss Themes of Alienation

Answer 20

Explore how characters (e.g. Holden in The Catcher in the Rye) struggle with disconnection from society.

Question 21

Evaluate Social Commentary

Answer 21

Analyze how works like The Great Gatsby critique societal norms and class distinctions.

Question 22

Victor Frankenstein’s Creation

Answer 22

Central to Frankenstein, symbolizing human hubris and the unintended consequences of ambition.

Question 23

Elizabeth Bennet’s Wit

Answer 23

Key to Pride and Prejudice, showcasing Austen’s critique of societal norms.

Question 24

Okonkwo’s Tragedy

Answer 24

A focal point of Things Fall Apart, reflecting the clash between tradition and colonialism.

Question 25

Jay Gatsby’s Dream

Answer 25

Represents the illusion of the American Dream in *The Great Gatsby*

Question 26

Prufrock’s Indecision

Answer 26

Central to Eliot’s *The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock*, symbolizing modern disillusionment