Understanding Theme and Central Ideas Standard and Objective: Determine two or more themes of a text.

The Concept of theme How often have you seen a film, only to be asked, “What's it about?” Your answer will probably take the form of a summary of the plot or story. However, you might also have answered in a few concise words, like: “It's about the supernatural” or “It looks at how false people are today.” These last two sentences are to do with the theme of the film.

Think  Think of movie that you’ve seen recently or know well.  Write down what you think the movie was about, not the plot, but the point that was trying to be made.

Definition of theme  A central idea about a topic and/or a statement the author is making through the story and the characters.  The theme is NOT the one word at the top of the paragraph in Spark Notes, it’s in the explanation that occurs below.  Here’s an example: On the sparknotes.com, it has “Hysteria” listed as the HEADING for the theme. The actual theme comes in the first line of the paragraph: “Another critical theme in The Crucible is the role that hysteria can play in tearing apart a community.”

An example  Romeo and Juliet  Theme: Love can be the source of violence and destruction  Several times the two lovers threaten to kill themselves because of the turmoil this love is causing.  There is constant foreshadowing as to the ultimate demise of the two.  In Romeo and Juliet’s view, the only way they can be together is through suicide.

With a partner…  Think of a children’s story that most of us would know.  Come up with a central (main) idea or theme that would apply. What is the author’s message about people?  Remember, don’t use the character’s name or specific plot points.  Be prepared to share.

Themes in The Crucible  Theme: Reputation is everything  Reverend Parris only strives to protect his name when he finds out the girls have been dancing in the woods and performing witchcraft.  Judge Danforth refuses to stop the hangings because he fears it will make him look as if the trials were a mistake, thus affecting his reputation.  John Proctor hesitates going to Salem because he fears having to expose his affair with Abigail.

Themes in The Crucible  Hysteria can lead to destruction and tear people apart.  Many towns people are accused at the end of act I.  Families are separated because of hangings and arrests.  Salem ends up in chaos because there is no one to take care of livestock, farms, and their children.  The town begins to talk of rebelling against the court because of this chaos.

With a partner…  Look at the first two pages of The Crucible.  Find two lines where it looks as if a character is trying to protect his or her reputation?  Highlight or underline those lines on your handout.  Choose one to write on the board.