2. 12/10-11 Today: rationalism test
HW: complete Prep. Practice 2&3 and read/annotate/write a theme statement for “Fifteen Fathers” and “Currents”

3. A THEME statement gets a little more specific
A THEME statement gets a little more specific. It describes what in particular the writer is saying about an aspect of being human or human behavior.

4. Examples of thematic statements
Knowledge can be used for destructive ends.
For the benefit of society, sometimes an individual’s needs must be sacrificed.
Sometimes we realize what we dreamed of for our future is not what’s best for us.
Falling in love can often repair the emotional damages people have suffered in the past.
Through loneliness we often gain a greater understanding of ourselves.
When under pressure, people often make choices that can have long-lasting and painful consequences.

5. Theme is NOT…
a summary of the plot
about the specific characters in the story
our personal opinion of a story

6. Theme is NOT… always a lesson
In English III, we’re reading adult literature. Often, writers make observations about dark sides of human behavior or the difficulties of life.
So in this class resist always thinking a theme statement should start with…
People should always ___________
Don’t _______________
Always remember to _________________

7. Theme Statement Templates
After the test, finish your prep. Phrases wksheet. Then, read and annotate both the stories and write one theme statement for each story. Use the templates below:
The central theme of_______________is the idea that sometimes people…
In___________________, ____________ expresses the idea that people often…