topos
/ˈtoʊpɑs/
noun
- A common or recurring theme, topic, or idea, especially in literature or art.
- The artist used the topos of the garden as a symbol of paradise.
- The 'wise fool' is a classic topos in Shakespeare's plays.
- In science fiction, the topos of the lone hero saving the world appears again and again.
- A traditional or conventional literary or rhetorical theme.
- The topos of the 'journey' is central to many epic poems.
- The speech relied on the topos of 'hard work leads to success' to inspire the audience.
- In medieval literature, the topos of the 'dream vision' was very popular.