Theme Notes
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Comparing Themes Remember to paraphrase. Only write the definitions word-for-word. Keep up!
Definition of Theme • theme: – a central idea or insight about life and human
nature that gives a story meaning – examples: • Racial stereotypes blind reality. • A boy and a girl must go through a special trial or series of trials before maturing.
Characteristics of Theme • theme – gives meaning to characters and events – reveals the author’s attitude about how people do and should behave – what the author means—not what he/she writes
“I don’t get it!” whined the student. “Read between the lines,” replied the teacher.
Theme is Found in Most Genres • genre: – a category that a work of literature is classified under • think of the sections at Blockbuster
– five major genres in literature: • • • • •
non-fiction fiction poetry drama myth
Themes are Generalizations • generalization: – a broad statement that applies to or covers many individuals, experiences, situations, observations, or tests – example: • People want to be accepted.
Some Themes are Universal • universal themes: – themes commonly found in the literature of all
cultures and ages – examples: • Love will endure and triumph over evil. • Arrogance and pride can bring destruction. • Heroes must overcome challenges before they can claim victory.
End the Confusion • theme is not: – a summary of the plot – only about one person or type of people – a subject: • the topic, which can be stated as a single word
– a moral: • a rule about how to behave – Slow and steady wins the race.
How to Find A Story’s Theme
Think! • How does the protagonist change? • How is the conflict resolved? • Does the title have any special meaning? • What message is being given by the entire story?
How to Write A Story’s Theme
Write one sentence. • Check that it applies to the entire story. • Check that it applies to life and human nature. • Rewrite it if it is a moral or cliché. • Be prepared to give support for the theme.
The End Congratulations! You just earned 30 easy points for taking notes.
Based on: “Theme: An Idea About Life” by John Legget Holt Literature and Language Arts - Third Course
Definition of Theme • theme: – a central idea or insight about life and human
nature that gives a story meaning – examples: • Racial stereotypes blind reality. • A boy and a girl must go through a special trial or series of trials before maturing.
Characteristics of Theme • theme – gives meaning to characters and events – reveals the author’s attitude about how people do and should behave – what the author means—not what he/she writes
“I don’t get it!” whined the student. “Read between the lines,” replied the teacher.
Theme is Found in Most Genres • genre: – a category that a work of literature is classified under • think of the sections at Blockbuster
– five major genres in literature: • • • • •
non-fiction fiction poetry drama myth
Themes are Generalizations • generalization: – a broad statement that applies to or covers many individuals, experiences, situations, observations, or tests – example: • People want to be accepted.
Some Themes are Universal • universal themes: – themes commonly found in the literature of all
cultures and ages – examples: • Love will endure and triumph over evil. • Arrogance and pride can bring destruction. • Heroes must overcome challenges before they can claim victory.
End the Confusion • theme is not: – a summary of the plot – only about one person or type of people – a subject: • the topic, which can be stated as a single word
– a moral: • a rule about how to behave – Slow and steady wins the race.
How to Find A Story’s Theme
Think! • How does the protagonist change? • How is the conflict resolved? • Does the title have any special meaning? • What message is being given by the entire story?
How to Write A Story’s Theme
Write one sentence. • Check that it applies to the entire story. • Check that it applies to life and human nature. • Rewrite it if it is a moral or cliché. • Be prepared to give support for the theme.
The End Congratulations! You just earned 30 easy points for taking notes.
Based on: “Theme: An Idea About Life” by John Legget Holt Literature and Language Arts - Third Course
