THEME

Theme Is: The controlling idea or insight in a literary piece The idea the writer wishes to convey about a subject The writer’s view of the world Theme is usually not stated, but must be inferred.

Theme Is NOT: Expressed in a single word The purpose of a work The moral The conflict

Central Unifying Element Theme ties together all of the other elements of fiction used by the author to tell the story. It indicates the pivotal ideas around which the author was writing. In order to identify a theme of a story, one must know the whole story.

Application: When you read a story, you want to think about the theme and ask yourself these two questions: What do you think the writer wants to reveal to you? How can you apply the message in your life?

Identify Theme: 1. Summarize in 1 sentence for each plot stage: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution 2. Identify the subject of the story 3. Identify the insight/truth that was learned How did the protagonist change? What lesson did the protagonist learn during the resolution?

Continued… 4. State how the plot presents insight about a subject. 5. Write or state one more generalized declarative sentence that states what was learned.

Popular Themes: Good versus Evil Don’t be afraid to try new things Believe in Yourself Overcome a Challenge Accept Others’ Differences Honesty Be Happy with What you Have Kindness Friendship

Homework Watch a sitcom for homework (how shocking!) Complete the 5 steps to identifying theme.