Theme 3-1

THEME

A theme is a claim,
idea, or message
that is developed and
communicated
through a text.
It is a
general statement
about life or human
nature.

Readers can uncover a
story’s theme by analyzing
what happens to the main
characters and connecting
their experiences to a
general topic (like fear or
bravery).

FINDING
THEME

Theme is sometimes
implied, meaning that it is not always directly stated in a reading. The reader must
make inferences and
draw conclusions.

Multiple Choice

What does "implied" mean?

• written down

• not always directly stated

• life lesson

• always directly stated

TOPIC

VS

THEME

Sometimes people mix
up theme with the topic.

Topic:

Simply the subject:

“Beauty”

The

Difference

The

Difference

Theme:

Reveals something
about the subject:
“Beauty is found within."

You can find themes in:
●

Music Lyrics

●

Poetry

●

Novels

●

Short Stories

●

Movies

●

TV Shows

FINDING
THEME

CHARACTERS

How characters can

reveal theme:

Consider how the
main character
changes in the

reading. What do

they learn during the story?

Multiple Choice

What are "characters" in a story?

• They are the life lesson learned in the story.

• They are the "struggles" the people go through in a story.

• They are the "Where" and the "When" in the story.

• They are the "Who" the story is about.

CONFLICT

How conflict can reveal theme:

Consider how the conflict is

resolved in the story and what

message it sends.

Match

Match the following

• Conflict within (internal) the main character himself

• Conflict involving elements of nature outside (external) the main character

• Conflict between main character and some standard within his culture

• Social conflict between the main character and another character in the story

Character vs. Self

Character vs. Nature

Character vs. Society

Character vs. Character

• Character vs. Self

• Character vs. Nature
• Character vs. Society
• Character vs. Character

Read the following short story and then consider what the theme could be, or message about life.

Poll

The theme of "The Application" is something like...

Pick one:

• If something is important to you, don't delay doing it.

• Always ask your mom before you eat dinner at a friend's house.

• Procrastination

Read the following short story and then consider what the theme could be, or message about life.

Poll

The theme of "A Dog's Wisdom" could be...

Pick one:

• Walk your dog every day.

• Spending time outside with your pet can be refreshing.

• Homework sucks.

Multiple Choice

Which statement best expresses a theme demonstrated in both texts?

Pick one:

• People can accomplish more when they maintain a routine (consistency).

• Spending time around others offers a person many benefits (positive effects).

• It is easy to become distracted and neglect (ignore) what is truly important.

• Someone who is good at time management (organization) may not be good at other things.

Poll

POLL: I feel pretty confident I can tell the difference between Topic and Theme in a story.

Pick one: