WHAT ARE LITERARY TOPICS? (WITH EXAMPLES) - LITERATURE - 2025

The literary topics are topics or approaches that have been used frequently in literary creation throughout history. They are usually identified through a short phrase, usually in Latin, that summarizes the general meaning of each one.

These issues have been addressed in novels, short stories, poems, and other genres using a wide variety of nuances and styles.

However, each topic has played a leading role at different times in history, according to the characteristics of each era.

In general, literary topics are ideas or concepts that are repeated because they interest human beings of any place and time.

They are universal themes that all cultures have questioned at some point, such as love, life, and death.

Therefore, it is not considered that an author who returns to a topic addressed by other authors is simply copying them.

On the contrary, the analysis of a particular topic throughout history allows us to understand how the ways of understanding reality evolve.

Each author leaves his own mark on his works and that of his time, although the subject he addresses is the same as that addressed centuries ago. The real challenge for the writer is to present the topic in a new and original way.

The 7 main literary topics

1- Carpe diem

It is a phrase that means "seize the day." Its central idea refers to the importance of making the most of the opportunities offered by the present.

The origin of this topic dates back to a poem by Horace dating from the first century BC.

According to this poem, the future is unpredictable, therefore human beings must do what they can in the present without counting on the opportunities of the future.

Usually the productions that address this topic remember that death is imminent and that the only sure wealth is today.

Therefore, they invite an intense experience of the present and to appreciate the good moments instead of waiting for future that are uncertain.

Example

This topic can be seen in this fragment of Sonnet XXIII by Garcilaso de la Vega:

«Take from your joyful spring

the sweet fruit, before the angry time

cover with snow the beautiful summit ».

2- Ubi sunt

This phrase means "where are they?" The general idea of ​​this topic is to ask about the existence of those people who were part of the author's life but are no longer there.

The works that address this topic evoke a splendid past that no longer exists and recall all the reasons that led to its end.

That is why they also refer to death and cultural changes that transform people's way of life.

Example

The poem Coplas a la muerte de su padre, written by Jorge Manrique, is a good example of the application of this topic:

«What did King Don Joan do to himself?

The infants of Aragon, what did they do?

What happened to all the handsome men, how much invitation

How did they do? ».

3- Locus amoenus

This concept means "pleasant place". This topic refers to a look at the countryside and natural environments as ideal places to stay.

Especially in the Renaissance era, works were presented that addressed this topic.

In these, natural environments were presented as spaces where they longed to be because they were ideal for reflection and encounter between people, especially with God.

Example

An example of this topic in literature is the poem Soledades by Antonio Machado:

«In a gloomy orchard

the buckets of the Ferris wheel turned

sleepy.

Under the dark branches the sound of the water

heard.

It was a July afternoon, bright and

dusty. '

4- Memento mori

This phrase means "memory of death." It is a topic that is linked to the concern of human beings about the imminence of death.

In the works that address this issue, it is constantly remembered that all people are mortal and the little relevance of earthly affairs is demonstrated.

On the other hand, it is also assumed that all human beings are equal in that they are united by their fatal destiny.

Example

This topic is reflected in the poem De la brevity de la vida, by Luis de Góngora:

«Ill forgive you the hours, the hours that the days are filing, the days that gnawing are the years ».

5- Collige virgo roses

This concept means "cut the roses, maiden." The topic refers to the importance of taking advantage of youth while it lasts.

Those works that address this topic constantly recall old age as a stage to which all human beings are headed.

Therefore, it invites you to enjoy the vitality, joy and beauty of youth before time takes it away.

Example

This topic is addressed in Garcilaso de la Vega's poem As for rose and lily:

«The icy wind will wither the rose, everything will change the light age, for not moving in his habit ».

6- Beatus Ille

This phrase translates "blessed is he." As a topic, it refers to the happy life of people who live in the countryside, as opposed to the noise and hostility of cities.

The works that refer to this topic are focused on highlighting the virtues of rural life such as tranquility, silence and purity of the soul.

In contrast, it presents the city as a space of chaos where spirituality is put aside.

Example

A good example of this topic is the poem Epodo II, by Horacio:

«Blessed is he who lives, far from

business

like the ancient flock of mortals

and, with his own oxen, till the field

paternal

free from interest and usury. '

7- Post mortem love

This concept translates "love after death". It refers to the nature of eternity that is given to love, even being maintained after death.

In the works that address this topic, reference is made to the void left by the death of a person among their loved ones.

Therefore, the strength of that feeling is declared, which is maintained despite the departure of one of them, thus manifesting the greatest proof of fidelity.

Example

An example of this topic is the poem Constant love beyond death, written by Francisco de Quevedo:

«Soul to whom all a prison god has been, veins that humor to so much fire have given, marbles that have gloriously burned:

your body will not let your care;

they will be ash, but it will make sense;

dust will be, more love dust ».

References

1. Educate Chile. (SF). The literary topics. Recovered from: educarchile.cl
2. Escolares.net. (SF). Literary Topics. Recovered from: escolar.net
3. Fleming, G. (2017). 10 Common Themes in Literature. Recovered from: thoughtco.com
4. Literary Devices. (SF). Carpe Diem. Recovered from: literarydevices.net
5. The Columbia Encyclopedia. (SF). Carpe Diem. Recovered from: encyclopedia.com