Identifying Thematic Connections Between Multiple Sources

Introduction: Sometimes in literature, we can read several pieces by different authors on different subjects, but still find a common theme running through them. Can you think of several books you’ve read over the years, or movies even that have the same similar sort of theme they have in common?

Universal Themes Universal themes are probably the most common found in literature. They are defined as idea that apply to anyone regardless of cultural differences, or geographic location.  Universal themes are ways to connect ideas across all disciplines. It is a central idea about the human condition. It is a generalization about life or human nature; they deal with basic human concerns.

Examples of Human Nature Finish the following statement with traits found in Human Nature: Humans are naturally…. A. B. C. D. E.

Which traits found in Human Nature did Macbeth possess? Greed Ambition Hopelessness Ignorance/naiveté Arrogance Stubborn Denial An on…and on…

So Why Read Shakespeare? Open your book to page 203 where we will read an essay by Michael Mack disusing the reasons why Shakespeare’s works touch on the facets of life that are universal and transcendent which is why they are still relevant today and the lessons we can learn from them.

“Why Read Shakespeare?”—Michael Mack Complete the following with a partner: List all the reasons Mack gives for reading Shakespeare on the back of your handout Discuss these reasons with your partner and write down any lessons we could learn from reading Shakespeare’s stories citing evidence from the essay. On your Handout: Thematic Connections, write the Main Idea of the essay in Text Box 1 and then write the thematic connections between Mack’s essay and Shakespeare’s play Macbeth in the Connection Box #1 on your flow chart.

Exploring how an author draws on or transforms source material Sometimes an author will take an actual account of an event that happened and use it as inspiration for their literature. This “source material” provides a framework for the author to structure a new story. The new story may have certain elements from the original source or take on a completely new angle and storyline. For example: Historical Fiction For example: Movies depicting an event/character in history

“Holinshed’s Chronicles” Holinshed’s Chronicles is supposedly a historical account of the actual Macbeth (although there is some controversy as to the accuracy of this account). Nonetheless, as you read this excerpt look for similarities between the historical account and Shakespeare’s play. How does Shakespeare draw on this text to create his own characterization of Macbeth?

As you read… Complete the following with a partner… Write down the details Shakespeare used from the Chronicles to base his character of Macbeth on? Discuss the similarities and differences between this excerpt from the Chronicles and Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Support with evidence from the text. On your Handout: Thematic Connections, write down the main idea in Text Box 3 and then write thematic connections found between these two pieces in Connection Box #2.