1. Learning Target
I can identify the theme of a piece of text, based on evidence from a story and judge the relevancy of the theme in today’s society.

2. Theme An idea or message about life, society, or human nature.
Can be found in songs, movies, poems, everybody books, short stories, & novels.

3. Theme Not always stated by the author, but must be inferred.
Often, multiple themes exist in literature.
Sometimes, theme is based on the personal interpretation of the reader. Different readers interpret different themes based on their perspective.
Sometimes called by other names…
“The moral of the story” “Lesson”
“Universal truth”
“Central message, idea, or insight”
“The point of the story”
“The So-What”

4. Common Themes in Literature
Judgment
Deception
Journey
Fortune
Race relations
Coming of age
Family
Suffering
Patriotism
Sense of self
Alienation
Peace and war
God and spirituality
Loss
Hope
Discovery
Hopelessness
Good and evil
Birth
Generation gap
Duty
Death
Home
Survival
Heroism
Betrayal
Conformity
Escape
Lust for power
Individualism
Love
Isolation

5. Mr. Peabody’s Apples Topic: Rumors, Words
What do the characters think about it?
Mr. Peabody is hurt by the rumors that have been spread about him stealing apples.
Possible themes?
Danger in spreading rumors and dishonor in defaming someone’s character

6. Topics that Become Themes
Ambition
Hope
Peer pressure
Choices
Human needs
Power
Courage
Identity
Prejudice
Differences
Independence
Revolution
Dreams
Jealousy
Secrets
Faith
Justice
Success
Family
Loss
War
Freedom
Love
traditions
Friendship
Loyalty
Growing up
Materialism

7. Charles Topic: Lies, Deceit, Misbehavior
What do the characters think about it?
The mother doesn’t realize that Laurie has created an alter-ego named “Charles” and used him to take all the flaws that Laurie has in kindergarten.
Possible themes?
If you lie, you will eventually get caught.
It’s normal for children to go through growing stages like this as they form their identity.

8. The Lottery Topic: Rituals, Traditions, Killing, Stoning
What do the characters think about it?
The characters do not consider the ethics (right or wrong) in this ritual.
Possible themes?
1) Man's inhumanity to man
2) How people blindly follow a tradition even it's morally wrong
3) How people are willing to harm another to keep themselves safe

9. Which theme is the most relevant to you?
Danger in spreading rumors and dishonor in defaming someone’s character
If you lie, you will eventually get caught.
It’s normal for children to go through growing stages as they form their identity.
Man's inhumanity to man
How people blindly follow a tradition even it's morally wrong
How people are willing to harm another to keep themselves safe
The theme from ________ about ________ is the most relevant to me because…

10. Reading Workshop Read a children’s book.
In your IR notebook, identify the theme. The theme of _____ is _______....
Next, judge the relevancy of the theme. This theme is relevant/irrelevant because….
I will read this entry when you turn in your notebooks on Friday!
Please include the title & author of the book.

11. Shirley Jackson Test Tomorrow— Know & Apply these terms to “The Lottery” & “Charles”
Author’s Perspective
First Person Point of View
Third Person Point of View
Facts about Shirley Jackson’s life
Foreshadowing
Irony
Theme
1. Review your notes & prepare
2. Read & respond (Notebooks due Friday)

12. Criteria for Success