Theme vs. Moral
Universal truth A message Abstract idea Central idea What is a theme? Universal truth A message Abstract idea Central idea
The message revealed in a story What is a moral? The message revealed in a story A value of life A lesson to be learned
Theme vs. Moral Theme Moral Sum up the book’s message in a word or two Look for repeating symbols and words Theme can appear in the setting, characters, action Usually not directly stated Leaves a lot to the reader’s own conclusions. Usually appears at the end of a fable Can be a sentence Can be directly stated Can be implied Claims an opinion about the THEME.
Examples of theme Isolation Death Love conquers all Loss of innocence Fear of failure Will to survive Renewal/rebirth
Examples of a moral Slow and steady wins the race. Be happy with what you have. Think twice before you act. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Clothes do not make the man. Birds of a feather flock together. Be prepared. Pride goes before a fall.
Now a Test… Beauty is in the eye of the beholder… Don’t judge a book by its cover Friendship Don’t count your chickens before they hatch Honesty Sensitivity and Purity of Spirit.
The Little Mermaid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz0H4UHd2J4
Cars http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGByijP0Leo
Twitter Instructions: Together, in your groups, read The Emperor’s New Clothes. INDIVIDUALLY write down what you think the Main Idea or THEME of the story might be on your SHOWME app. As a group, compose a one sentence summary of the story and TWEET it @ms.mozley. HASHTAG the one word main idea that your group came up with!