1. THEME
The Heart of the Matter

2. TYPES OF THEMES A central message an author is trying to communicate
Racism is destructive to both the victim and the perpetrator
A broad idea addressed in a piece of literature
War; dreams; friendship; sacrifice; etc
A broad conflict addressed in a piece of literature
Person vs. Person
Person vs. Nature
Person vs. Society
First definition is the one we will use!!!

3. Two Parts to Every Theme
A topic (called a thematic topic)
The author’s thoughts on that topic:
Topic: racism
Thoughts on the idea: bad for both the victim and the perpetrator
Theme: Racism is destructive to both the victim and the perpetrator.

4. Other elements to consider with theme:
No CD in the statement of the theme
State themes in a broad, universal way
It should apply to all people everywhere—NOT just to the people in the story:
BAD: George and Lennie’s friendship allows them to find meaning in a difficult world
GOOD: Friendship helps people to cope with the difficult challenges in life

5. Other elements to consider with theme:
Avoid cliché when stating theme:
BAD: Think before you act
BAD: Look before you leap
Good: To avoid tragedy, one must carefully consider options before choosing a rational response
**Cliché: old, tired, overused expressions which have lost their impact

6. Apply to Of Mice and Men
Develop a statement of theme for each of these thematic topics:
Power
Dreams
Loneliness
Friendship
Injustice