Content and Theme

Definition: Content refers to what happens in a text, in terms of the action, events, people and places Theme contains the deeper message or main idea of a text

Content and Theme Content As you engage in the close reading of a text, always ask the ‘obvious’ questions about its content: Who are the people involved in the text and what are their roles? Does the text make reference to a particular time or event? What happens in the text? What kind of action takes place?

Content and Theme Theme All writers and speakers have a message they want to convey. The message of a text is closley related to but different from the writer’s purpose. A sign in a factory, for example, may tell you to wear head protection (message) in an effort to promote safety (purpose). You need to read ‘between the lines’ of the message about head protection to discover its purpose.

Content and Theme You need to read ‘between the lines’ of the message about head protection to discover its purpose.

Content and Theme Theme When you read a text, ask the following questions in order to read between the lines and discover the text’s deeper themes: What is the author’s message? What is the significance of the text to its audience? What is the text actually saying?

Content and Theme Why is this cartoon funny? How does it comment on the importance of content and theme in communication?

Content and Theme And this cartoon?

Tone and Mood Tone Refers to the language used by a speaker or writer to instigate an emotional effect on the listener or reader Mood Refers to the atmosphere that is created for an audience through the tone or a text

Tone and Mood Once you have looked at the who and what of texts, you can then learn how a writer uses language to instigate a response from the readers. A writer uses a particular tone, which puts the reader in a particular mood. You can think of it as a cause and effect relationship.

Tone and Mood

Tone is very much related to the context of composition. If we think of the author of a piece of writing being in a certain state of mind – perhaps frustrated, troubled or hurt – then we can imagine what kind of vocabulary they might use to convey the message. How does the author sound? What is the writer’s tone? What kind of diction does the writer use?

Tone and Mood Tone Words: (just a small list!) AdventuresomeAnxious Celebratory ConfidentDetermined Dignified DisappointedEncouraging Euphoric Fatalistic Hopeful Hopeless HyperbolicOminous Passionate ReassuringResigned Severe Solemn Tragic Wise Zealous

Tone and Mood Mood Words (a small selection) ApprehensiveDesolate Disappointed DisheartenedEmpathetic Empowered EngagedFascinated Frustrated IntriguedMournful Optimistic Sentimental Solemn Suspicious ToughUplifted

Tone and Mood Describing the tone and mood of a text is a skill that takes time to develop. There is no single list of vocabulary to learn and use to describe the tone and mood of a particular text. In order to build on your vocabulary, you could try creating a spider diagram or mind map around the diction of a particular piece. Get into the habit of reading book and film reviews, discussing texts and doing vocabulary – building exercises.