4.  Central idea or underlying message of the text  Rarely stated in the text  Must make an inference  Use the plot, character, and/or setting

6.  Theme is the message we take away from the written piece about people, life, and the world around us.  Topic is the main idea of the story.  Plot includes the events in the story.

7.  About life and/or human nature  Common to people throughout the world  Provides guidance through life

8.  Often the title gives us hint about theme. Remember, theme addresses the entire piece of writing  We can state theme in many ways  Each of us has prior experiences  We are each unique

9.  Theme is not the topic, but a lesson you can apply to your life  For example: family  You should always put your family before your friends

10.  You can determine the theme by examining how the character has changed  A dynamic character develops throughout the story  What did this character learn through his experiences

11.  Conflict can help determine the theme Conflict Resolution Theme Helping to feed the poor is beneficial to all involved.

12.  Evaluate the writer’s ideas  Is the theme realistic? Then it is valid. ▪ If you put your best foot forward, you will usually succeed.  Is the theme idealistic? Then it is not valid ▪ Good people never have any problems.