1. Themes in Literature

2. Theme and the Oral Tradition
Oral Tradition – literature passed down through the ages by word of mouth
Give a glimpse into the history, customs, beliefs, and values of their respective cultures
Emphasis on social and cultural contexts
Types
Myth
Folk Tale
Legend
Epic
Universal Theme – insight into life and human nature

3. theme and the Oral Tradition
Archetypes to know
Trickster – a clever person or animal who can fool others but often gets into trouble through curiosity
Hero’s quest – a clever, brave person undergoes a series of tests while on a search for something
Protagonist – the hero of the story
Antagonist - character or force that opposes the protagonist
Monsters – the opposing force is often a monster (nonhuman or semi-human) that menaces society and must be destroyed

4. Determining Themes
Theme – stated or implied central insight or message of a literary work
Writers create patterns of events and actions or contrasts and their fates to develop themes
Midas and the Golden Touch and The Tortoise and the Hare

5. Analyzing Point of View and Cultural Experience
Point of View (perspective) – his or her attitudes toward, and beliefs about, a subject
Determines how the writer approaches a subject
Literature in the oral tradition usually expresses cultural—rather than an individual—point of view
Purpose – to entertain, to inform or explain, or to persuade

6. Ramayana (p. 1035)
He hurried down the steps of the tower, returned to his chamber, and prepared himself for the battle. He had a ritual bath and performed special prayers to gain the benediction of Shiva; donned his battle dress, matchless armor, armlets, and crowns. He had on a protective armor for every inch of his body…

7. Ramayana (continued)
When he emerged from his chamber, his heroic appearance was breathtaking. He summoned his chariot, which could be drawn by horses or move on its own if the horses were hurt or killed. People stood aside when he came out of the palace and entered his chariot. “This is my resolve,” he said to himself: “Either that woman Sita, or my wife Mandodari, will soon have cause to cry and roll in the dust in grief. Surely, before this day is done, one of them will be a widow.”

8. Ramayana (Continued)
The gods in heaven noticed Ravana’s determined move and felt that Rama would need all the support they could muster. They requested Indra to send down his special chariot for Rama’s use. When the chariot appeared at his camp, Rama was deeply impressed with the magnitude and brilliance of the vehicle…

9. Analysis What do we learn about Ravana’s culture from the excerpt?
What might be the theme of this piece based on the background information and the section we read?