1. Chapter 4 Theme and Universal Theme

2. Theme The theme of a literary work is the central idea about life that it reveals. A theme is a message that the writer wants you to get, but you usually have to look for it. The writer’s theme is usually not stated directly..

3. Theme Because theme is not usually stated directly, try to identify the significant elements in each selection and how they affect the main character or narrator. Theme setting charactersplot symbols

4. Theme Finding a theme helps you understand: stories or poems about the human experience changes a character goes through the writer’s views on life

5. Theme The author often reveals the theme through the actions and realizations of the characters. Is this really how people are? Do I agree with this view of life?

6. Universal Theme The themes writers express are often universal—that is, they apply to people from all over the world. Awareness of death can make life richer. A teacher can make a difference in a child’s life. A loving grandparent can be a source of wisdom.

7. Universal Theme Universal themes represent the idea that no matter who we are, we all experience common joys, sorrows, and concerns that bind us together.

8. Practice Read the following. What clues can you find that suggest a theme about life renewing itself? Mr. Day held his tiny new grandson in his wrinkled hands. Outside the window of his hospital room, the gray of winter was broken by the first flowers of spring peeking up from the ground. Mr. Day stroked the baby’s blanket, the same one in which he’d wrapped his own son thirty years ago.