1. Chapter 3: Theme

2. What is theme? (page 116-117) The truth of the story
Usually reveals message about life
Gives the story power
A lesson the character learns

3. How to find the theme? You must INFER! Be a detective
Read between the lines.
You must INFER!
Look for word clues/ language
“The Boy Who Cried Wolf”
“ The Tortoise and the Hare”

4. Ask yourself the following questions:
1) Is the writer (author) trying to tell you a specific point of view
2) What does the title signify?
3) Is the title a clue to the theme?
4) How does the main character change in the story?
5) What do the word choices and imagery reveal about the theme?

5. How are themes conveyed?
Through a character’s thoughts and ideas
A character’s actions
Details and images

6. Don’t Be Fooled!
The theme of a story can often be confused with the story’s subject
There can be more than one theme in a story
A story from a long time ago can show that people have the same ideas about life as we do now.

7. Universal Themes Relate to the human condition
Examples: love, fear, jealousy, friendship, loyalty, responsibility, truthfulness, happiness, sadness, ego, hope, bravery, peace, childhood, fairness, anger, integrity, respect, etc.
Read King Midas