Boot Camp AP Literature Theme

Theme Definition “The theme of a piece of fiction is its controlling idea or its central insight. It is the unifying generalization about life stated or implied by the story” (Arp and Johnson 188). Not all stories have a significant theme, but theme exists in virtually all literature. Also, moral does not equal theme!

Where is the theme? Theme exists only (1) when an author has seriously attempted to record life accurately to reveal some truth about it. (i.e. Mark Twain—Adv. of Huck Finn) OR (2) When an author has deliberately introduced, as a unifying element, some concept or theory of life that the story illuminates. (i.e. George Orwell— Animal Farm/1984) Huck and Jim--- a sinking steamboat nearly drowns a band of robbers. What theme could this lead to?

Questions for discovering theme! What is the central purpose of the piece? What view of life does the piece support? What insight about life does the piece reveal?

Six Principles Relating to Theme Theme must be a statement about the subject. Cannot be one word or a simple phrase—what is the author saying about that idea? (So what?) Theme should be stated as a generalization about life. Do not use the names of characters or specific plot elements and developments to state the theme. You might say Alice in Wonderland is about the “wonders of childhood imagination” or the “uncertian nature of reality.”

Six Principles Relating to Theme 3. Do not make the generalization of theme larger than is justified by the terms of the story. Use terms such as all, every, always, with caution! Unacceptable - The theme of “Everyday Use” is not that “Habitually compliant and tolerant mothers will eventually stand up to their bullying children” Acceptable – “Ingrained habits can be given up if justice makes a greater demand.” 4. Theme is the central and unifying concept of the story. Thus, it accounts for all the major details of the story. If an important character or incident doesn’t fit the theme, then the theme needs modification or the analysis is incomplete. The theme must be based on the data of the story itself, not on assumptions supplied by the reader’s experience!

5. There is no ONE way to state the theme of a story, nor is there often just one theme in a story. 6. Avoid any statement that reduces the theme to a cliché. (“You can’t judge a book by its cover” or “A stitch in time saves nine”) GO DEEP! TIP: What IDEA is the author communicating? This is a big picture idea—no plot. The author’s commentary about this big picture idea is the theme.

“How I Met My Husband” With a partner, one piece of paper for both of you: Devise a list of “big picture” ideas that this short story presents. Select three. For each “big picture idea” What is the author’s point about the “big picture” idea? Find two quotes (partial are fine) to support each theme statement = six quotes total.

Adding it all up (Literary Element) + (Literary Element) = (Theme)

Adding it all up (Setting) (Point of View) + (Symbol) + . (Tone) . (Theme) (Setting) + (Characterization) + . (Irony) . = (Theme)

Adding it all up (Point of View) + (Symbol) + . (Tone) . = (Theme) In the short story “A Rose for Miss Emily” William Faulkner uses a collective point of view, symbolism, and a reverent tone to portray his theme, the decay of outdated traditions.

Examples In the short story “A Rose for Miss Emily” William Faulkner uses a collective point of view, symbolism, and a reverent tone to portray his theme, the decay of outdated traditions. Alice Munro masterfully incorporates , , and to develop the theme of the short story “How I Met My Husband.”