Recognizing Themes in Literature

What is a theme? Themes are messages from the author. Sometimes called “moral of the story.” Sometimes the author makes it obvious, and sometimes you have to look hard. Should be true of life in general.

THEME OR NOT A THEME? EXAMPLE (don’t copy) Skippy learns that letting go can be hard. This character earns a lot of money using what he has learned. In the end, Scoobie seems to understand an important lesson about trust. Ultimately, the author makes it clear that people who seem trustworthy sometimes are not.

REWARDS & CONSEQUENCES: Consider how characters’ choices end up benefitting or hurting them. Typically, authors won’t reward behavior that they think is wrong. EXAMPLE: “When Huck’s dad trips and falls, it indicates that the author disagrees with his racist beliefs.”

FOLLOW THE LEADER: Pay attention to characters (or narrators) who give advice. Look closely at their actions. Does the author agree? EXAMPLE: “Nick is likable and smart. So when Nick says that the past cannot be regained, the author likely agrees.”

SYMBOLISM & PATTERNS: Is the author trying to associate something in the book with some concept in real life? What can repeated images reveal? Example: “Just like the character has trouble giving away the feather, people can struggle to pass down culture and heritage.”

CHARACTER ARC How do characters’ personalities change? Does the author think that their change is good or bad? EXAMPLE: “John begins the story as a dishonest person. By showing how he becomes honest and heroic, the author shows that being truthful really matters.”