Theme

What is a theme?

• A storyline

• A universal truth about life/people

• topic/subject

• the time and place of an event

The theme of a piece of literature is the same as its...

• subject

• topic

• message/lesson

• plot

Unlike the topic/subject, a theme...

• can be expressed in just one word

• is always stated directly in the text

• always shows the setting

• cannot be just one word

You can often infer the theme of a piece of literature by...

• evaluating how a character has changed

• determining how a conflict is resolved

• sharing a character's experience

• ALL of the above

Which of the following statements is TRUE...

• Authors NEVER use the same theme twice

• All poems have the same theme

• Themes only repeat in short stories

• The same themes can occur in different stories/different authors

To identify a theme in a story, a reader can ask...

• What has the character learned?

• What is the setting?

• Who is the narrator?

• ALL of the above

A theme should be supported by...

• Your own words

• reasoning/rationale

• textual evidence

• ALL of the above

Themes are universal because...

• all humans share common experiences

• the entire universe enjoys them

• authors add them to make the writing meaningful

• the stories go on forever

Which of the following is NOT an example of theme...

• Treat others in the same way you'd want to be treated.

• With hard work and perseverance, you can accomplish anything.

• The little boy lied to his mother.

• You shouldn't judge someone based on appearances.

What could be an example of theme?

• Friendship

• How to bake cookies

• Being prepared will often lead to success.

• Love