What's A Theme?

What is the definition of theme?

• The ending of a story.

• The broad idea, message or lesson of a story.

• What the story is all about.

• None of the above.

When determining the theme of a story, the reader should consider.....

• The illustrations.

• The Title

• The subject or topic.

• The length of the story.

One way you could figure out the theme of a story is........

• Skim through the story.

• Think about what the character(s) has/have learned.

• Read the beginning of the story. It's typically in the first paragraph.

• Read the ending of the story. It always sums up what the story is all about.

The Ant and the Grasshopper

In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest. "Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of toiling and moiling in that way?" "I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and recommend you to do the same." "Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; we have got plenty of food at present." But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer. Then the Grasshopper knew.

What is the theme/moral of this story?

• Strength in unity.

• Question people's intentions.

• Work now and play later.

• Don't be greedy.

In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest. "Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of toiling and moiling in that way?" "I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and recommend you to do the same." "Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; we have got plenty of food at present." But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer. Then the Grasshopper knew.

What evidence from the text could you use to validate (prove) your response to Question 1?

The Bundle of Sticks

An old monkey on the point of death summoned his sons around him to give them some parting advice. He ordered them to bring in a bundle of sticks, and said to his eldest son: "Break it." The son strained and strained, but with all his efforts was unable to break the sticks. The other sons also tried, but none of them was successful. "Untie the bundle," said the father, "and each of you take a stick." When they had done so, he called out to them: "Now, break," and each stick was easily broken. "You see my meaning," said their father.

What is the theme/moral of the story?

• Question people's intentions.

• Appreciate what you have.

• Don't be greedy.

• There is strength in unity.

The Fox and the Crow

Aesop's Fable

A Fox once saw a Crow fly off with a piece of cheese in its beak and settle on a branch of a tree. "That's for me, as I am a Fox," said Master Reynard, and he walked up to the foot of the tree. "Good-day, Mistress Crow," he cried. "How well you are looking to-day: how glossy your feathers; how bright your eye. I feel sure your voice must surpass that of other birds, just as your figure does; let me hear but one song from you that I may greet you as the Queen of Birds." The Crow lifted up her head and began to caw her best, but the moment she opened her mouth the piece of cheese fell to the ground, only to be snapped up by Master Fox. "That will do," said he. "That was all I wanted. In exchange for your cheese I will give you a piece of advice for the future.

What is the theme of this story? Write your own and prove it with evidence from the text?

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

• Carry your purse with two hands at all times.

• Cereal is the best breakfast on the planet!

• Life is short; make the most of it.

• Eat three meals a day.

What would you say has been the theme of your 8th grade year?

Answers will vary. Remember, think of something you've experienced. What did you experience, and what did you learn from it?