2.  Theme is an IDEA IN A STORY.  An idea the writer has and may share with the reader, but SUBTLY, hidden inside the story:  Within the ◦ PLOT ◦ CHARACTERS ◦ SETTING

3. DEEP STUFF— IT TAKES PRACTICE TO FIND A THEME.

4. Notice a topic. for example: In the novel Holes : One topic is bad luck. What ideas go with that topic?

5.  Some people are born with it?  Some people are cursed with it?  Does it say that there is no way to change your life if you are destined to have bad luck?  Does it say you can change your luck?  Learn to work with it?

6. Search the text for examples of ideas about bad luck and destiny. Then you might say: Holes addresses the theme of bad luck and changing your destiny, and this is what it says about it.

7. Look at:  Characters  Plot  Setting (time, place, culture)  Symbols  The book as a whole.

8.  Look for repeating patterns (motifs), symbols, or details.

9.  What does the title tell you?  Repeated motifs.  Is anything often referred (alluded) to?  What impression does the book as a whole give you?  What answers does it provide?

10.  What happens to the protagonist?  What struggles does he/she have?  What questions does he/she have?

11.  Did he/she learn anything?  Did he/she have a sudden realization (an epiphany)?

12.  Do they provide advice or answers?  Does anything happen to them that deeply affects the main character?

13. Great stories have many themes!