Theme What it is And What it isn’t
What is a theme? The theme IS the stories BIG idea. The theme IS the lesson learned or the moral. The theme IS the lesson the author wants you to learn from the story. The theme IS the central message of the story. The theme IS the emotional feeling you are left with at the end of the story.
What the theme isn't? The theme is NOT a single detail of the story. The theme is NOT specific to just one character. It must include all of the characters. The theme is NOT the subject of the story. Themes are NOT stated in the story. In other words, you must figure out the theme yourself.
Full Name_____________________________________ Date_________ Period ____ What it isWhat it is not ExamplesNon-Examples Theme Duplicate this in your Reading section of your 3-subject Notebook
Full Name_____________________________________ Date_________ Period ____ ExamplesNon-Examples Theme What it is It is the big idea in the story, it transcends time. Emotional reaction that you leave with It is the lesson learned, morals Author’s message Central or universal message What it is not Not usually stated in the text Not the subject of the text Not a detail Not specific to one character
Bees are busy. Family is more important than money. Windows are sometimes hard to open. Beauty is only skin deep. Perseverance pays. Kindness matters. The universe has millions of stars. War kills many soldiers. Giving brings happiness. Rabbits are faster than turtles. Water flows downhill. The key to freedom is education. I love having friends. Harsh words wound. Theme or not?
Full Name_____________________________________ Date_________ Period ____ What it isWhat it is not ExamplesNon Examples Theme It is the big idea in the story, it transcends time. Emotional reaction that you leave with It is the lesson learned, morals Author’s message Central or universal message Not usually stated in the text Not the subject of the text Not a detail Not specific to one character Beauty is only skin deep Perseverance pays. Giving brings happiness. Harsh words wound The universe has millions of stars Rabbits are faster than turtles Water flows downhill War kills many soldiers