Journal Prompt Arguably, every text has a theme or message about human life. What themes can you name from your favorite books or movies? How do you know? Generate as many ideas as you can come up with! Example: A theme presented in Cinderella is to never give up on your dreams. Cinderella believes that “one day [her] prince will come.” She never gives up on her dream and it comes true – she literally married her prince charming! This tells the audience that we should never give up on our own dreams.

What is theme? Last class, we began to discuss theme as it applies to fiction. (We have also considered theme with poetry/lyrics!) Theme: The central idea or insight about human life revealed by a work of literature. Statement, not a subject. “Arrogance and pride can bring destruction.” So, how do you find a theme?

Writing Prompt What are Jackson’s messages about humanity or human life in “The Lottery? Generate as many potential themes as possible. How can you prove your answers from above? What evidence do you have from the text? List examples of events or cite specific lines from “The Lottery” that support your thoughts.

Thematic Analysis You will now use this information to construct a CDW paragraph analyzing theme in “The Lottery.” Claim: 1 sentence declaring one of Jackson’s thematic discussions of humanity/human life Data 1: direct quote or example from the text that supports your claim Warrants A&B: 2 sentence discussion about the data Data 2: direct quote or example from the text that supports your claim