1. THEME

2. Theme Is: The controlling idea or insight in a literary piece
The idea the writer wishes to convey about a subject
The writer’s view of the world
Theme is usually not stated, but must be inferred.

3. Theme Is NOT: Expressed in a single word The purpose of a work
The moral
The conflict

4. Central Unifying Element
Theme ties together all of the other elements of fiction used by the author to tell the story.
It indicates the pivotal ideas around which the author was writing.
In order to identify a theme of a story, one must know the whole story.

5. Application:
When you read a story, you want to think about the theme and ask yourself these two questions:
What do you think the writer wants to reveal to you?
How can you apply the message in your life?

6. Identify Theme:
1. Summarize in 1 sentence for each plot stage: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution
2. Identify the subject of the story
3. Identify the insight/truth that was learned
How did the protagonist change?
What lesson did the protagonist learn during the resolution?

7. Continued… 4. State how the plot presents insight about a subject.
5. Write or state one more generalized declarative sentence that states what was learned.

8. Popular Themes: Good versus Evil Don’t be afraid to try new things
Believe in Yourself
Overcome a Challenge
Accept Others’ Differences
Honesty
Be Happy with What you Have
Kindness
Friendship

9. Homework Watch a sitcom for homework (how shocking!)
Complete the 5 steps to identifying theme.