Freak the Mighty Theme

Freak the Mighty Theme

Class Objective

• Identify topics within a text

• Create theme statements based on those topics

Theme is NOT...

PLOT: The plot is what happens in the story. It is the chain of connected events in a story

MAIN IDEA: The main idea is what the story is all about.

The SUMMARY: In general, the summary refers to the events of the story along with some other important details.

The MORAL

of a story is a very specific lesson. Theme could be a lesson but does not have to be.

Theme is...

Theme is stated as the message the author is trying to teach me.

Steps to finding Theme

• Read the entire text

• Review the topics of the story

• Ask yourself: What is the author trying to teach me about these topics

• Create a theme statement

• Provide evidence to support my theme

Multiple Choice

The theme is the same as the subject of a work of literature.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The theme is generally presented in a complete sentence at the end of the introduction of a story.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The theme is a common idea or observation that the reader can relate to.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Sometimes the reader must infer the theme based on the theme topics and events in the plot.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The theme could sometimes be a moral or life lesson.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of theme?

• Snow White was thoughtful and kind.

• Don't judge people by outward appearances.

• Juan risked his life to save his brother's.

• Happiness

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of theme?

• One person can make a difference.

• The donkey was stubborn and did not move.

• LaShonda knew she would always be grateful.

• RGB became famous for being a champion for gender equality.

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of theme?

• Inequality

• Justice

• Hope

• Your past does not define you

Multiple Choice

What does theme add to the story?

• A sense of location

• An important message

• Motivation for the characters

• Dialogue for the characters

Multiple Choice

Three flies notice an overturned honey pot. Two of the flies decide to land in the honey and start eating it. But the oldest fly stays back. The two flies tease the older fly, but then get stuck in the honey.

What is the theme of this story?

• Some prizes aren't worth it

• Overeating leads to illness.

• Insects value food over safety

• Always send a tester

Multiple Choice

A story can have more than one theme.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Where can a reader find the theme?

• It is stated directly in the text.

• A character tells you.

• The reader must understand what the character has learned.

• Books or movies do not have themes.

Open Ended

Kelly ran into her homeroom. She could not wait to tell her friends what she's overheard about another girl in the class, Melissa. As she huddled with her friends, repeating the unfortunate details of the embarrassing incident that involved Melissa, another group of girls walked into the room, giggling. One of them, Chantal, strolled over to Kelly. It is true? Kelly assumed Chantal was talking about Melissa and replied, "I know, I can't believe she did that. How will she even come to school again?" Chantal cocked her head slightly. "What are you talking about? I mean, is it true you just showed up at Melissa's sleepover, even though you weren't invited, and cried until your mom picked you up?" Kelly was shocked. She couldn't believe people were talking about that. She felt her face go red as the girls began to laugh at her.

What would be a topic (big idea) of this scenario?

Open Ended

Sam's brother, Rob, asked him to hold on to his birthday money for him. "Keep it safe," Rob said. "If I hold onto it, I'll just spend it, and I want to save money for a new skateboard." At first, Sam borrowed just a dollar or two so he could get an extra cookie at lunch. Then, one Saturday, his friends asked him to go to the movies. Having no money of his own, Sam borrowed a bit of Rob's money. After a few months, none of Rob's money was left. Sam felt a bit guilty, but he also assumed he's be able to pay it back when he got his own birthday money. When Sam's birthday arrived, he did, as he's predicted, receive quite a bit of cash. He announced that evening, "I'm taking my money to the skate show tomorrow. I've jas my eye on a new skateboard." Rob perked up. "I'll go to! With the money you're holding for me and the money I've earned during chores the past few months, I finally have enough to buy a new skateboard too!"

What would a topic be for this scenario? (Big ideas)

Open Ended

What is one theme you can think of from Freak the Mighty?