Learning Target I can identify the theme of a piece of text, based on evidence from a story and judge the relevancy of the theme in today’s society.

Theme An idea or message about life, society, or human nature. Can be found in songs, movies, poems, everybody books, short stories, & novels.

Theme Not always stated by the author, but must be inferred. Often, multiple themes exist in literature. Sometimes, theme is based on the personal interpretation of the reader. Different readers interpret different themes based on their perspective. Sometimes called by other names… “The moral of the story” “Lesson” “Universal truth” “Central message, idea, or insight” “The point of the story” “The So-What”

Common Themes in Literature Judgment Deception Journey Fortune Race relations Coming of age Family Suffering Patriotism Sense of self Alienation Peace and war God and spirituality Loss Hope Discovery Hopelessness Good and evil Birth Generation gap Duty Death Home Survival Heroism Betrayal Conformity Escape Lust for power Individualism Love Isolation

Mr. Peabody’s Apples Topic: Rumors, Words What do the characters think about it? Mr. Peabody is hurt by the rumors that have been spread about him stealing apples. Possible themes? Danger in spreading rumors and dishonor in defaming someone’s character

Topics that Become Themes Ambition Hope Peer pressure Choices Human needs Power Courage Identity Prejudice Differences Independence Revolution Dreams Jealousy Secrets Faith Justice Success Family Loss War Freedom Love traditions Friendship Loyalty Growing up Materialism

Charles Topic: Lies, Deceit, Misbehavior What do the characters think about it? The mother doesn’t realize that Laurie has created an alter-ego named “Charles” and used him to take all the flaws that Laurie has in kindergarten. Possible themes? If you lie, you will eventually get caught. It’s normal for children to go through growing stages like this as they form their identity.

The Lottery Topic: Rituals, Traditions, Killing, Stoning What do the characters think about it? The characters do not consider the ethics (right or wrong) in this ritual. Possible themes? 1) Man's inhumanity to man 2) How people blindly follow a tradition even it's morally wrong 3) How people are willing to harm another to keep themselves safe

Which theme is the most relevant to you? Danger in spreading rumors and dishonor in defaming someone’s character If you lie, you will eventually get caught. It’s normal for children to go through growing stages as they form their identity. Man's inhumanity to man How people blindly follow a tradition even it's morally wrong How people are willing to harm another to keep themselves safe The theme from ________ about ________ is the most relevant to me because…

Reading Workshop Read a children’s book. In your IR notebook, identify the theme. The theme of _____ is _______.... Next, judge the relevancy of the theme. This theme is relevant/irrelevant because…. I will read this entry when you turn in your notebooks on Friday! Please include the title & author of the book.

Shirley Jackson Test Tomorrow— Know & Apply these terms to “The Lottery” & “Charles” Author’s Perspective First Person Point of View Third Person Point of View Facts about Shirley Jackson’s life Foreshadowing Irony Theme 1. Review your notes & prepare 2. Read & respond (Notebooks due Friday)

Criteria for Success