Finding Theme

Theme

How to find theme in literature.

What is theme?

● The universal message or life lesson of a story.

● Stories can have more than one theme.

● The theme is universal because it is known as

a universal truth, something that is true no
matter where you are in the world.

Explicit vs. Inferred

● As you begin to read more complex texts, the themes of

each text will need to be inferred by the reader.

● Infer-observe or conclude from evidence and reasoning

rather than explicit statements.

Inferencing

● Infer- observe or conclude

from evidence and reasoning
rather than explicit
statements.

● Practice making an inference.

● I can infer that…

Multiple Choice

Tiffany held her breath as her teacher returned the math test the class had taken last week.  Tiffany had not studied very hard or long for the test, and she was worried about her grade.  Her teacher handed Tiffany her test.  Tiffany groaned and put her head down on her desk.

It is likely that...

• Tiffany got a good grade.

• Tiffany is tired.

• Tiffany got a bad grade.

• Tiffany is annoyed.

Multiple Choice

Ivory's cell phone beeped. Her hand ran into her purse and her heart fluttered. The text message was from Jay. What can we infer about Ivory?

• She has an iPhone.

• She has feelings for Jay.

• She doesn't check her phone very often.

Fill in the Blanks

Jen walked into the Principal's office. Her parents were already there, waiting for her to arrive. She put her hand on the door and hesitated for a few seconds. She took a deep breath, and opened the door.

Answer: I can infer that Jen is...

Topic vs. Theme

Topic: a matter or idea
dealt with in a text.

● Family
● Growing up
● Perseverance
● Friendship

Theme: the universal message
about the topic.

●Families can come in many forms.

●Growing up is difficult, but necessary.

●Even in trying times, it is important to keep
going.

●Friendships can help people get through
some of life’s most difficult times.

Let's Practice! Watch/Read: "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein

• What Topics were presented in the story?

• What is the conflict of the story?

• How do the characters deal with the conflict?

• Are there any recurring events or symbolism?

• How does the story end?

• Does the main character learn a lesson?

• What lesson do you see?
  

Discuss with your table.

• What Topics were presented in the story?

• What is the conflict of the story?

• How do the characters deal with the conflict?

• Are there any recurring events or symbolism?

• How does the story end?

• Does the main character learn a lesson?

• What lesson do you see?
  

Open Ended

• What Topics were presented in the story?

• What is the conflict of the story?

• How do the characters deal with the conflict?

• Are there any recurring events or symbolism?

• How does the story end?

• Does the main character learn a lesson?

• What lesson do you see?

Writing a theme statement

● First, pick ONE of the topics presented in the story.
● Answer the question: What is the author’s message about

the topic?

● Example: Topic: Giving

○ The author is trying to say that if you give too much, people may take advantage of you.

○ Theme statement: The author is trying to say that If you give too much, people may take advantage of you.

Open Ended

Create your theme statement: "The author is trying to say that, "lesson about the topic".

The theme of "The Giving Tree" is "The author is trying to say that, "lesson about the topic".