Identifying a Theme

Determine Theme

Reread to analyze character challenges and plot resolutions.

Use my analysis to determine the theme.

Open Ended

What is the message you take away from a story like “Androcles and the Lion"? How do you figure out that message?

"Androcles & the Lion"

Remember, the theme is the lesson the author wants a reader to apply to his or her own life.

Theme notes

I know that Androcles is the main character, so I will write his name in the chart because I want to find evidence of the challenges Androcles faces. In paragraph 1, I read “he came upon a lion.” His first idea is to run, but he realizes the lion is hurt. What does Androcles do? I'll write in the chart “helps the hurt lion.”

Theme Notes

In paragraph 3, Androcles faces another challenge—he is to be “thrown to the lion,” which usually means death. I'll underline and add that to the chart. Then something surprising happens. The lion comes out, and instead of eating Androcles, it recognizes his friend. When Androcles tells his tale to the emperor, the emperor frees the slave and the lion. That's the resolution.

What is the theme?

Now I can think about the message, or theme, of the story that the author wants me to learn. I can set it up as an If/Then statement: “If you are kind, then your kindness can save you one day.”

"Brushfire!"

Now let's read “Brushfire!” to determine the theme of the drama.

Pay attention to details that tell what challenge Meg and Ed face, how the challenge is addressed and resolved for each, and what you think the theme, or message, of the play might be.

Open Ended

What challenge do Meg and Ed both face? Does Meg face an additional challenge?

Open Ended

What is the resolution for Meg—what happens to her? What about Ed?

Open Ended

What message or lesson do you think the author wanted to share? How can you say that as an If/Then statement?

Open Ended

What is a possible theme for the story "Brushfire!"? Give evidence to support your answer.