Compare and Contrast Themes and Topics Across Cultures

Compare and Contrast Themes and Topics Across Cultures

By Becky Collins

​Stories from different cultures may seem unique, but many share similar themes and patterns of events.

​Alike and Different

​A theme is the message or lesson that a story teaches.

​What is Theme?

​A hero battles a villain or monster.

​​Good vs Evil

​A character faces fear to do something important.

​​Courage

​People help and support each other.

​​Friendship

​​Common Themes

Patterns of events are the way stories are structured .

​

​What are Patterns of Events?

​A Hero goes on a journey to find something.

​​The Quest

​A character faces a difficult task.

​​The Challenge

​A clever character outsmarts others.

​​The Trickster

​​Common Patterns

​Even though stories from different cultures have similar themes and patterns, they can also be different.

​Why do we compare stories?

Hercules uses strength whereas Mulan uses bravery and courage to help others.

​Different

The character Hercules and Mulan are both heroes in their tales who show courage.

​Alike

Hercules vs Mulan
Greek tale vs Chinese tale

​By comparing stories, you can see how different cultures teach similar lessons in their own unique way.

• Get ready

Now it is time to check understanding!

Multiple Choice

What is a theme in a story?

• The characters in the story.

• The events that happen in the story.

• The big idea or lesson the story teaches.

• The ending of the story.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a common theme?

• A hero goes on a journey.

• Good vs Evil

• A clever character uses tricks.

• A magical object

Multiple Choice

What is a pattern of events in a story?

• The way the story is structured like a quest or challenge.

• The number of pages in the story.

• The names of the characters.

• The moral of the story.

Multiple Choice

How are a Greek myth about Hercules and a Chinese tale about Mulan similar?

• Both characters use magic to win battles.

• Both characters are tricksters.

• Both characters show courage by overcoming challenges.

• Both characters are villains.

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to compare stories from different cultures?

• To find out which story is better.

• To learn how different cultures teach similar lessons in unique ways.

• To decide which character is the strongest.

• To see how many characters are in each story.