For this essay of 4-5 pages, I’d like you to explore common themes found within the novel. Remember that to find a theme (or themes) in literature one ought to ask this question: “What main point, or points, does the author wish the reader to discover within the creative work?” What are the central or dominating ideas within the story? Authors create their respective works with an audience in mind, so it naturally follows that authors desire their readers to relate to their art in a significant way.
Keep in mind that a work’s “subject” and “theme” are two different elements. The subject of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is that it’s about a journalist and a private investigator/hacker who are trying to solve the mysterious disappearance of a girl. Theme is discovered when the reader considers the relationships among the parts of a story, and what these say about the whole story. When contemplating a novel’s theme(s), consider the following questions:
– Characters: What type of people does the story deal with (main characters)? Plot: What do the characters do? How much control do they have of their
lives?
– Motivation: Why do the characters act as they do…what motivates them? Characters: Often characters are motivated by certain beliefs and values.
What are the values of the story’s characters? What values does the author, Stieg Larsson, promote?
– Tone: What is the author’s attitude towards his subject?
– Style: How does the author perceive reality? This is particularly relevant
given the contemporary setting of the novel and the semi-autobiographical elements of the plot.
– Symbolism: Does the author use symbolism in order to promote certain
themes found within the novel? If so, what symbols and what are they meant to represent?
A theme is an idea that is discussed throughout the whole of the novel. Here are a handful to consider:
– The prevalence of violence against women in modern society Inaccuracy of appearances: People are not always as they seem at first
glance. How so?
– Ethics and journalism: The role and responsibility of journalists to uncover
truths, regardless of consequences.
– Revenge: How does it operate within the novel? The novel seems to portray
revenge as a positive element, framing it as a form of social justice.
– Corruption of people in power: Who in this novel is portrayed as corrupt,
and what motivates this corruption? Greed? Misogyny?
– Complications of interpersonal relationships in modern society.
