1. Mr. DiDonato English Language Arts
Themes
Mr. DiDonato
English Language Arts

2. What Is a Theme?
Themes are everywhere; they are literally all around us:
In literature, stories, movies etc.
The theme of a fable would be its ‘moral’
The theme of Jesus’ parables is his teaching
The theme of a work of literature is its view on life; how people (we) behave

3. Theme & Meaning The Theme is the: Underlying meaning of the story;
A Universal truth;
The significant statement the story is making about: society, human nature or the human condition
Therefore, the theme = an idea; the generalization it comments on about life

4. The Reader’s Job
As a reader, it is part of your job to understand what the author is trying to say
The author rarely screams out “THIS IS WHAT I WANT YOU TO GET FROM THIS STORY!”
You, the reader, needs to make inferences and decide for yourself what the author is trying to communicate
IMPORTANT REMINDER: there can be more than one theme in a novel/story
Major theme: appears regularly throughout the story
Minor theme: appears occasionally throughout the story

5. How the Author Can Express Theme
Through the feelings of the main character towards society, other characters and him/herself
Through the thoughts and conversations that take place throughout the story
Through what the protagonist learns in their conversations and experiences
Through specific actions and events
IMPORTANT: the author will most certainly use the main character to relate the theme; how does the character feel (what’s he/she thinking?). Pay attention to the conversations the main character takes part in; listen for thoughts/ideas that are repeated throughout the context of the plot.

6. Theme is the BIG Idea For example: FREEDOM TRUST FRIENDSHIP
GOOD VS EVIL
COMING OF AGE
CIRCLE OF LIFE
DANGERS OF IGNORANCE
EVERLASTING LOVE
FACING REALITY
FEAR OF FAILURE
INJUSTICE
TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
TEMPTATION
BETRAYAL
REBIRTH
SURVIVAL
LIFE AND DEATH
POVERTY/WEALTH

7. Theme is NOT a Topic
Remember, the theme of a story is NOT the topic; it is deeper than that
Many times, you will not agree with the author’s beliefs; however you should still understand the universal truth being explained through the story
The theme alone cannot completely explain the story; it’s simply one element the author uses to engage and connect with the reader
For Example: the main topic might be “war”, but the theme might be the fact that in the end, war is impractical and only devastates the world.

8. Practice Finding The Theme

9. Were You Right? Inner beauty or love conquers all Good vs Evil
Growing up
Trust

10. Good job!