1. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Themes

2. THEME & Theme Statements
Theme is the central idea or universal truth that the story examines
A theme statement is a single sentence that attempts to explain this truth (what the story worries about). 

3. Theme Statements… Avoids clichés or plot summaries
Such a sentence meets these criteria:
Is a generalization about life or human nature using universal terms
Accounts for the story in its entirety (doesn't look at only one part)
Avoids clichés or plot summaries
May recognize the significance of the story's title or special symbols

4. What is THEME?

5. What is THEME?

6. How to Talk About Theme in Literature…
Identify the theme

7. Identify the theme THEME asks us to identify:
What is the story REALLY about?
>>>Use an
ABSTRACT NOUN

8. What if I don’t know what the story’s “really about?”
Look for:
What a character learns/discovers
Conflicts and obstacles the character faces
Symbols
>>>Use an
ABSTRACT NOUN

9. Ok… now what? Identify the theme
Make a VALUE STATEMENT (author opinion)
Use the abstract noun and write a sentence saying what you think the author is trying to tell his/her readers about that idea.

10. Sample Theme Statements
People rarely change their values and beliefs unless influenced by a traumatic event.
People create their own beliefs in reaction to personal experience.
A child's sense of identity is formed through interaction with others. 

11. Tips: DO… ...express the theme in your own words
People who commit crimes may be punished in unexpected ways.
...draw a general insight from a character’s behaviour
Friends are not always trustworthy.

12. Tips: DO… ...express the theme as an insight into life
Gossip can cause serious damage to a person’s reputation.
...use qualifying words, such as sometimes, can, may, and often
Poverty may transform honest people into criminals.

13. Don’t…
...express the theme as a subject or topic (avoid the one-word theme).
The theme is goals for the future.
...express the theme as a moral or a cliche
-Crime doesn’t pay
-It’s wrong to gossip about people.

14. Don’t… Poverty causes crime.
...make a thematic statement TOO general.  Avoid broad generalizations with words such as everyone, always, never, and all
Poverty causes crime.
...refer to specific characters or scenes from the book.
Montag learned not to trust others around him.

15. Essential Questions How do people cope with serious problems?
What kinds of things can we overcome, and what do we have to accept?
How do we become ourselves?
How do authors give a character’s voice personality and style?