Mini Lesson: Theme

REVIEW… The five literary elements found in all fictional literature… Characters : who Setting: where/when Plot: how Conflict: what THEME: WHY!

Theme A theme is… the author’s central message or idea in a story. expressed in a general statement. is about human beings or about life.

How to figure out the THEME of a fictional story… CENTRAL IDEA: What topics or big ideas does the story deal with? SO WHAT? So what is the author saying about that central idea? What VIVID VERBS or VIVID ADJECTIVES can you use here? EXPAND: Put it into a Theme Statement combing Central Idea with a Vivid Verb or Adjective.

A Christmas Carol: How to figure out Theme What topics or big ideas does the story deal with? What is the author saying about one of these topics? Put it into a THEME statement!

Possible Theme Statements for A Christmas Carol The welfare of others is everyone’s concern. There is joy in doing good for others. The Christmas spirit should be alive in people all year long. People can change for the better. It is never too late for redemption. Guilt and regret have transformative powers.

“The Raven” CENTRAL IDEA: What topics or big ideas does the story deal with? SO WHAT? So what is the author saying about that central idea? What VIVID VERBS or VIVID ADJECTIVES can you use here? EXPAND: Put it into a Theme Statement combing Central Idea with a Vivid Verb or Adjective.

Possible Central ideas of “The Raven” Madness Sorrow Death Grief Loss Love Torture

“The Raven” – So What? Vivid Verbs and Adjectives The author is saying that extreme grief has a profound effect on the mental state of a person. avoid crazy escape relentless imagining significant descending torturous Maddening intense plead

“The Raven” – A Theme Statement avoid crazy escape relentless imagining significant descending torturous maddening Significant grief can cause a descent into madness.

Now you Try with “Elena” CENTRAL IDEA: What topics or big ideas does the story deal with? SO WHAT? So what is the author saying about that central idea? What VIVID VERBS or VIVID ADJECTIVES can you use here? EXPAND: Put it into a Theme Statement combing Central Idea with a Vivid Verb or Adjective.

Now you Try with “Elena” CENTRAL IDEAS: perseverance, determination, disappointment, pride, frustration, shame, humiliation, isolation

Now you Try with “Elena” SO WHAT IS BEING SAID ABOUT DETERMINATION? The author is saying that a mother will go to any length necessary to maintain a close relationship with her child. VERBS ADJECTIVES Interfere dedicated humiliate uneducated Adapt self-degrading struggling

Now you Try with “Elena” EXPAND IN A THEME STATEMENT: Isolation can lead to determination. The perseverance of a mother is fierce. Cultural divides can instill isolation. Humiliation does not break the will of one who is determined.

Homework Theme statement So what? Choose a poem to read: “Mirror” or “Supple Cord.” Using all necessary strategies, read the poem multiple times and annotate. Decide upon a few applicable Central Ideas for the poem. Write a possible theme statement: Central Idea So what? Theme statement