1. Theme and Universal Theme

2. Theme  A theme is the underlying meaning of a piece of literature. It usually includes an observation about life.  By the end of the story, the character usually LEARNS A LESSON based on their experiences.

3. How Can You Determine a Theme?  You are never actually TOLD what the theme is in a story. You determine the theme from the characters and action in a story. In short, you must determine the theme on your own.

4. Theme - Example 1  Beauty and the Beast - The theme could be described as “you must look beyond superficial surface beauty and look for what's inside the heart”

5. Theme - Example 2  Aladdin - The theme could be described as love is not earned through money, but from the heart.

6. Theme - Example 3  Lion King - The theme(s) could be described as revenge, self-worth, and question of identity.

7. Theme - Example 4  Finding Nemo - The theme could be described as love conquers fear.

8. Theme - Example 5  Monsters Inc. - The theme could be described as responsibility.

9. Universal Themes  Universal themes add to the timelessness (They stay the same forever) of a piece because they relate to us all--either in our experiences or in our dreams.

10. Universal Themes A-Z  - abuse of power  - beating the odds  - beauty  - coming of age  - corruption  - courage  - effects of the past  - faith  - fall from grace  - family

11. Universal Themes A-Z (cont’d)  - fate  - fear  - fear of failure  - freedom  - friendship  - greed  - hate  - heritage  - heroes  - honesty  - innocence  - justice  - love  - loyalty

12. Universal Themes A-Z (cont’d)  - manipulation  - nature  - need for change  - obligation  - parent-child relationships  - peace  - peer pressure  - perseverance  - Power of the mind vs. authority

13. Universal Themes A-Z (cont’d)  - prejudice  - pride  - revenge  - secrecy  - security/safety  - seizing the moment  - survival  - the overlooked  - the road not taken  - war  - winners and losers

14. Example of Universal Theme  What is the universal theme presented in How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Selfishness and Greed

15. What other stories have the same universal theme of the individual overcoming one’s selfishness and greed?  The main character Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol symbolizes a greedy wealthy man

16. Video Clip What is the Universal Theme? 2015 Mini Movie 2015 Mini Movie

17. Video Clip  What is the Theme? My Little Pony My Little Pony