1. Rockpile  If you were in Roy's place, would you have sneaked down to the rockpile? Explain. What would you have done if you were in John's place? Why?  Do you think that Gabriel overreacts to Roy's injury? Why or Why not?  What draws Roy to the Rockpile?  Whom does Gabriel blame for Roy's injury? Whom does Elizabeth blame?

6. Theme introduction

7. simple definition  A theme is the abstract subject or topic of artistic representation.  For example a simple theme is: Guilt is the theme of the story.

8. What are the themes of this painting?

9. more complex definition  In literature, a theme is a broad idea in a story, or a message or lesson conveyed by a work. This message is usually about life, society or human nature.  Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work.  Themes are usually implied by the author rather than explicitly stated.  Complex themes should be written in complete sentences. Example) The individuals struggle with racism

10. Common Themes  The individual in Nature  The individual in society  An individual's relation to the gods (religion)  Loss of innocence  Alienation  Overcoming great odds  Change  Work/Labor  Justice  Human Relations  Love and Friendship  Family  Growth and Initiation  Finding identity  Learning something new  Having an insight (epiphany)  Good vs. Evil  Death

11. Example  Simple themes:  Growth and Initiation  New experiences  Accepting Change  Fear (of new things)  More complex themes:  Keep an open mind.  Accept new ways and do not be afraid of new experiences.  Accept different cultures and races.

12. Mi Madre Mi Madre by Pat Mora Read “Mi Madre,” a poem by Pat Mora found at http://www.hanksville.org/voyage/desert/De sert6.html From Chants by Pat Mora, Arte Publico Press © 1985 Pat Mora © 1985 Pat Mora

13. Analysis of “Mi Madre”  Simple Themes:  The relationship a woman and nature  Nature  Complex Themes  Strength is enduring life’s hardships.  The quiet, steady things endure, much like a desert continues...  Nature always provides.

14. Themes in “The Rockpile”  Violence in Harlem  The role of the dominant male  Traditional Family Structure  List a complex theme in the short story and an example.

15. Resources Mora, Pat. Chants. Houston: Arte Publico, 1985. ---. “Mi Madre.” Hanksville. 1994-2003. Web.12 Oct. 2009. <http://www.hanksville.org/voyage/ desert/Desert6.html> Reed, Zero. “Themes of Race in Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham.” BookStove. 11 Jul. 2007. Web. 24 Sept. 2007 “Theme.” Merriam Webster Dictionary Online. 2007. Web. Web.12 Oct. 2009. “Theme (Literature)” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation Corp. Web. 2007. Web. Web.12 Oct. 2009.