Theme

​Theme

How to define and find theme. ​

​Theme

Theme refers to the central, deeper meaning of a written work. Writers typically will convey the theme of their work, and allow the reader to perceive and interpret it, rather than overtly or directly state the theme. As readers infer, reflect, and analyze a literary theme, they develop a greater understanding of the work itself and can apply this understanding beyond the literary work as a means of grasping a better sense of the world. Theme is often what creates a memorable and significant experience of a literary work for the reader.

​Theme

Themes are often subject to the reader’s perception and interpretation. This means that readers may find primary and/or secondary themes in a work of literature that the author didn’t intend to convey. Therefore, theme allows for literature to remain meaningful, “living” works that can be revisited and analyzed in perpetuity by many readers at once or by a single reader across time.

​Theme vs Thematic Concept

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Thematic Concept + Argument = Theme​

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Love is only achieved through respect.

A strong sense of morality is needed to mature.

The only way to earn true redemption is through the acceptance of your faults.

Revenge is a dish best served cold. ​

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​Theme

​Larger, nonspecific topics found within a text:

• Love

• Morality

• Redemption

• Revenge​

​Thematic Concept

Multiple Choice

What is a possible theme for the text below??

What happens to a dream deferred?

      Does it dry up       

like a raisin in the sun?       

Or fester like a sore—       

And then run?       

Does it stink like rotten meat?       

Or crust and sugar over—       

like a syrupy sweet?

      Maybe it just sags     

  like a heavy load.

      Or does it explode?

• Dreams

• Dreams achieved can make a person whole and rich.

• Festering hopes

• Dreams pushed back or denied will deteriorate a person's spirit and create explosive resentment.

Multiple Choice

What is a possible theme of the text below?

I will tell you what I will do and what I will not do. I will not serve that in which I no longer believe, whether it calls itself my home, my fatherland, or my church: and I will try to express myself in some mode of life or art as freely as I can and as wholly as I can, using for my defense the only arms I allow myself to use — silence, exile, and cunning.

• Individual expression is more important than the demands of societal norms and institutions.

• Freedom

• Creative requirements

• One should find inspiration from the church or your country for creative output.

​How to find theme

• How is the conflict resolved?

• How do the characters change in the text?

• What lessons do the characters learn at the end?

• Are we supposed to act like the main character or learn from their mistakes? What mistakes should we learn to avoid?

• What real life issues are reflected in the text?​

Open Ended

How is the conflict resolved in Hamlet?

Open Ended

How do the characters change in Hamlet? How does Hamlet change? Do any other characters change and how?

Open Ended

What lessons do the characters learn in Hamlet? What does Hamlet learn? Does anyone else learn a lesson by the end of the play? Who and what do they learn?

Open Ended

Are we supposed to act like Hamlet or learn from his mistakes? What mistakes could this play be warning us against?

Open Ended

What real life issues are re

​Proving Theme

Once you have a good idea for a theme that you thinks conveys the main idea of the text, next is collecting evidence that proves your theme. This evidence needs to be specific and highlight a pattern of behavior or ideas throughout the text. ​A text has a beginning, middle, and end. Your theme should be a reflection of the work as a whole.

​In a notebook, brainstorm at least 3 moments in the text that highlights your theme.

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Write down the specific moment, the characters involved, a quick summary, and then tell me how it showcases your theme. ​