Comparing Themes in Fantasy and History

Some themes seem to appear again and again

Some themes seem to appear again and again Strength in times of trouble.

Teaching point Today I want to teach you that knowledgeable readers assume that some themes are so important, so universal, that they appear in more than one book, and across history as well. Sophisticated readers, then, are alert for these themes, and they bring their knowledge of history to what they’re reading to compare how these themes play out.

We’ve studied history! Bud, not Buddy The depression era people People who have fought for civil rights Think of all the books you read in our historical fiction clubs.

We’ve studied history! Bud, not Buddy The depression era people People who have fought for civil rights Think of all the books you read in our historical fiction clubs. Turn and talk for a moment and remind each other of some of the characters and peoples accomplishments. What quests were they on? What dragons did they face?

Universal themes Kids grow up fast in times of trouble Even ordinary people or minor characters can affect events Ordinary people can be capable of great courage When people band together they can build power to change Where there is power, there is also resistance Humans are capable of great evil to each other, and great goodness

Which of these themes have you seen in your book and in history? Kids grow up fast in times of trouble Even ordinary people or minor characters can affect events Ordinary people can be capable of great courage When people band together they can build power to change Where there is power, there is also resistance Humans are capable of great evil to each other, and great goodness First, as yourself which of these plays out most strongly in your series. Then see if you can narrow down to one that you also have seen in history ---a period of history you know something about.

Remind yourself of some themes that have appeared again and again Are these themes on our universal theme sheet? Should they be? SO, how would we write about this?

Kids grow up fast in times of trouble

When people band together they can build power to change

Consider how characters’ perspective shape the themes Share: Consider how characters’ perspective shape the themes THEMES Kids in war grow up fast Danger brings out the best and the worst in people PERSPECTIVE kids who were evacuated from London during WWII