1. What makes a story stay in our minds and hearts after we have read it?
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THEME
What makes a story stay in our minds and hearts after we have read it?
This is often as a result of the idea on which the story was built – the theme!

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WHAT IS THEME?
It is a significant idea/statement the story is making about society or human nature.
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FINDING THEME
Theme is NOT directly stated in a text. The reader must make inferences
and draw conclusions.
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4. SUBJECT VS. THEME Sometimes people mix up theme with the subject.
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SUBJECT VS. THEME
Sometimes people mix up theme with the subject.
The Difference:
Subject = Topic:
“Beauty”
Theme = Reveals something about the subject:
“Beauty is found within.”
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5. SUBJECT VS. THEME Some other examples: Subject Theme Dreams
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SUBJECT VS. THEME
Some other examples:
Subject
Theme
Dreams
Dreams are necessary for a happy life.
Courage
Courage is not absence of fear, but the mastery of fear.
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6. FINDING THEME You can find themes in: music lyrics poetry novels
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FINDING THEME
You can find themes in:
music lyrics
poetry
novels
short stories
movies
tv shows

7. Click the link below to listen to Taylor Swift’s song “Mean.”
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THEME OF A SONG
Click the link below to listen to Taylor Swift’s song “Mean.”
As you listen, consider what idea/statement the song is making about society and human nature.

8. Below are some possible themes of the song “Mean” by Taylor Swift.
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POSSIBLE THEMES
Below are some possible themes of the song “Mean” by Taylor Swift.
Believe in yourself.
Strong people show resilience in the
face of adversity.
Bullying can have damaging effects.

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FINDING THEME
When reading fiction, the theme is often revealed through the plot, characters, and conflict. It is NOT stated directly.

10. How characters can reveal theme:
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CHARACTERS
How characters can reveal theme:
Consider how the main character changes in the reading. What do they learn?

11. How conflict can reveal theme:
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CONFLICT
How conflict can reveal theme:
Consider how the conflict is resolved in the story and what message it sends.

12. For example, good vs. evil is a universal theme.
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UNIVERSAL THEMES
“Universal themes” are ones which deal with human concerns that are found time and time again in literature.
For example, good vs. evil is a universal theme.

13. THEMATIC STATEMENT Writing a thematic statement:
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THEMATIC STATEMENT
Writing a thematic statement:
Connect a story’s topic with what
the story reveals about the topic.
Ambition in excess leads to a persons downfall
Story Topic
Revelation on the topic (theme)

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THEMATIC STATEMENT
Think of a story you have read or a movie you have watched. Write a thematic statement about it.
In _________, the author/filmmaker presents the thematic idea that
________________________.
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15. THEMATIC STATEMENT EXAMPLE
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THEMATIC STATEMENT
EXAMPLE
Click HERE to watch The Hunger Games trailer
In The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins presents the thematic idea of…
- the inequality between the rich and poor.
- human suffering as entertainment.
- power as a corrupting force.