Maxim Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: RL.9-10.6 and RL.11-12.6

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Maxim is a literary device that comes in the form of a short and memorable piece of advice usually found within a set of dialogue between characters. It is often used to reflect on human nature and generalize how we behave within our environment. It is generally accepted that the goal of a maxim is to offer behavioral advice. These often begin as well social shared philosophical quotes as these sayings catch steam, they begin to achieve maxim status. When a maxim does not have a specific author attributed to it, it is called a proverb. These worksheets will help students begin to breakdown examples of this literary device and understand their place within literature.

Maxim Worksheets To Print:

Is It In There? - Read each statement. Decide if you see this literary device in use. Explain why it is or is not present.

Related Concepts - Students will ponder closelt realted concepts such as: adages, proverbs, aphorism, idioms, and mottos.

Maxim or Aphorism? - Is that statement an idiom or not?

Sentence Fills - Use the words that are provided to complete all of these thoughts.

True or False - Evaluate all of these statements to determine their truth value.

Comparing Concepts - Where do the differences and overlaps come in to play with aphorism.

Educational Uses - How can we relate this concept to the education sector?

My Behavior - Think about something that you do regularly, more or less without fail, more or less in the same way. Maybe it's a particular chore, or a certain approach you take to doing your homework, or a strategy you frequently employ when playing a favorite videogame.

Get Me 2 - Find two examples of maxims. They may be something that you already know, something you hear on television or read in a book, or something you see on social media. Get ready to explain why you think they are good examples to the class.

My Everyday - Write down three maxims that you live by.

Minecraft - It is funny that you may learn better ways to live your own life through changes in how you play the game Minecraft.

Useful or Not - We look at when this literary device is not useful or appropriate.

Application - Think about a message that applies to each of these situations.

My Advice - If you could only pass on one piece of wisdom about how to go through life, what would it be?

Characterization - Giving your main character a maxim that underlies their actions, either generally or in a given situation, can be a good way to make sure that they are always acting according to their character.

What Is Maxim in Literature?

A maxim is a short and memorable statement, line, quote, or rule on how to behave and lead a good life. It can also be described as a thought containing a moral value that motivates someone.


You might have often heard them in the form of philosophical quotations, like "he who hesitates is lost." Joseph Addison, the English essayist, first used this statement in his play called Cato. It basically means that a person who spends too much time thinking about something loses the opportunity to act upon it.


Characteristics and Functions of Maxims


The main characteristic of maxims is that they deliver a powerful insight within a few words. This is why they are likely to be remembered and repeated over time. People often share them with others to spread wisdom. Some even get them tattooed on the skin!


They are often created by writers, politicians, artists, and philosophers to convey the general truth of their respective fields in an appealing way. Many memorable maxims coined by well-known individuals are still repeated to this day due to their ultimate relevance.


They can be pretty tricky to understand. You may encounter numerous maxims that are contrary to each other. For example, the maxim "who he hesitates is lost" contradicts the maxim "Look before you leap." One advises us to think carefully before doing something, while the other suggests not to dwell too much on a decision. This proves that maxims can also be a subjective concept.


The Difference between Maxims, Proverbs and Aphorism


Proverbs, maxims, and aphorisms are almost the same. They all are essentially short and easy-to-remember statements containing a basic principle, a rule of conduct, or a general truth.


However, a slight difference between proverbs and maxims is that the authors of proverbs are often untraced or unknown. They emerge from the culture and are commonly used because people can relate to them. On the other hand, authors of a maxim are mostly known and recognized.


Aphorisms and maxims may be slightly different because of the use of metaphors. Maxims are more straightforward. While most aphorisms contain metaphors, maxims may or may not have them.


Examples of Maxims in Literature


'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare contains a classic example of a maxim. When Romeo wants to marry Juliet just a few hours after meeting her, Friar asks Romeo not to act in such a hurry. In doing so, he uses the words, "Take things wisely and slowly because they stumble that run fast." This line became a maxim that means one should not rush through important decisions and plans.


Another famous example of a maxim is displayed in "The road not taken" by Robert Frost. The last stanza says: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by. This statement advises the readers not to follow the crowd every time.


"Don't examine this too closely" is a recent example of a maxim by Donald Bellisario, the Quantum Leap producer. This maxim advises science-fiction fans not to get too caught up in the details and explanations for the technology and events shown in the movies. He used this line in response to the abstract and technical questions asked by a fan at a convention.