10 Classic Themes That Never Get Old
I admit it: I like my books old and classic, thank-you-very-much.
People often ask me what I like to read, and while I do love The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and all the rest, most of the books I read were written before 1950. There’s something about old-fashioned values, quaint language, and innocent characters and storylines that provide comfort and escape from the jumble of everyday, postmodern life.
However, most of the newer books I read also seem to echo the themes of the classics. It makes me wonder: Old or new, why do we like classic, timeless stories so much?
There must be a reason the Cinderella story, Jane Austen’s novels, and the stories from the Bible have been rewritten, reinvented, and reimagined so many times. Even Harry Potter and The Hunger Games deal with the time-tested themes of good and evil, war and peace, love and hate.
We love classic stories because we love classic themes. There’s something glorious about that moment when the good guys beat the bad guys that makes our hearts swell. Stories of love, loyalty, and bravery inspire us to live better.
10 Classic Themes We Love:
Good triumphs over evil
Second chances come
Hope overcomes despair
Ordinary people become extraordinary heroes
Sacrifices are made
Redemption becomes possible
Things turn out better than expected
Weakness overcomes adversity and power
Healing and wholeness occur
Beauty rises up from the ashes
Classic stories come in a million and one different shapes, sizes, and genres, but most of them share these common themes. It’s human nature to look around our broken world and long for stories of faith, hope, and love. These stories keep us going. They remind us of what’s important, how to love one another better, and to never give up.
I invite you to think about your favorite books and movies. Look through your bookshelves. What themes do you notice in the stories you love most? Please share a few in the comments below.
Join the Kindred Spirit Community:
Kindred Spirit Book Club Facebook group: If you love to chat about favorite books with other book-lovers, then please join us on Facebook for weekly discussions!
Free Download: To download my English Garden Summer Book Walk and printable reading map and activity guide, click here.
If you missed the other articles in this summer reading series, you can catch up here.
The post 10 Classic Themes That Never Get Old appeared first on Rachel Dodge.
