1. Theme
The Search for Meaning

2. What is a Theme?
Theme: Life lesson, meaning, moral, or message about life or human nature that is communicated by a literary work.
In other words…
Theme is what the story teaches readers.

3. Themes A theme is not a word, it is a sentence.
You don’t have to agree with the theme to identify it.
Examples
Be strong, be independent, but most importantly, be yourself. (Mulan)
Family isn’t defined by blood, but by love and acceptance. (Lilo & Stitch)

4. Identifying Themes Themes are not explicit (clearly stated).
Themes are implied.
Themes are bigger than the story.
Big World of the Theme.
Applies to the “Real” World.
Small
World
of the
Story

5. What is the theme?
Take a look at the lyrics from Hakuna Matata: “It means no worries for the rest of your days. It’s our problem-free philosophy, Hakuna Matata.”

6. Themes are about the big picture.
Not “Pumbaa’s farts”
Not “Simba’s fears”
Think BIGGER.
Find “Real” World advice.
Big World of the Theme.
Applies to the “Real” World.
Small
World
of the
Story

7. What is the theme?
Take a look at the lyrics from Hakuna Matata: “It means no worries for the rest of your days. It’s our problem-free philosophy, Hakuna Matata.”
The topics are worrying and philosophy. What do the lyrics say about these topics? What’s their lesson about life? The answer to these questions is the theme: worrying is a choice
If we put these things together we get the theme: You don’t have to let your worries define your life.

8. interpreting and connecting figurative language and theme

9. interpreting and connecting figurative language and theme
What kind of figurative language is it?
What is being compared?
Do these things have a good/bad/neutral connotation?
What do those specific comparisons imply?
How would you summarize Forest’s statement using only literal language.
What does the passage say about life?