1. Notes: Subject and Theme
Mrs. Pelletier
English 1

2. Subject/Topic Subject: the topic of a work of literature
Examples: love, war, racism, WWII, fruit, peace, etc.

3. Theme
Middle school definition: a message or lesson of a work of literature
High school definition: a discovery of a truth about our own human experience

4. Theme Examples: No two readers state a theme in exactly the same way
All readers do not have to see the same theme in a story
A reader does not have to agree with the theme of a story
Examples:
1) Love is not always enough to make a relationship last.
2) Torture and fear of death can be used to control people.
3) Perception is reality.

5. Universal Theme Examples:
Universal theme: a theme which occurs over and over again in many works of literature
Examples:
1) Don’t judge a book by its cover.
2) Love conquers all.

6. THE END ☺