Theme vs. Subject vs. Moral; Identifying Irony

What is a theme?

• The lesson of the story.

• What the story is about.

• The series of events in the story.

• The commentary the story is making.

Answer explanation

The theme of a story is the commentary a story is making about its particular subject or topic. It is universally applicable, meaning it does not mention the story. A theme does not teach a lesson as to how we should act, rather it comments on human behavior.

True or false: Themes use the word "you" and describe how one should appropriately act.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Themes do not use "you" or address the reader. They are not a lesson on how to act. Those are both characteristics of morals.

Which of the three options is one or two words only?

Subject, Theme, Moral

Select the answer that does NOT define a subject.

• One or two words

• The commentary the story is making

• What the story is about

• A topic

Answer explanation

The theme is the commentary the story is making about the subject, which is the topic of the story.

Identify the following:

"No good deed goes unpunished."

• Theme

• Moral

• Subject

Answer explanation

Because this statement does not use you, and because it is universally applicable, it is a theme.

Identify the following:

"Treat others the way you want to be treated."

• Subject

• Theme

• Moral

Answer explanation

This statement uses "you" and attempts to teach someone the proper way to act, therefore it is a theme.

What is an example of a subject in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Identify the following:

Love

• Moral

• Theme

• Subject

Answer explanation

Love is a topic that a text may explore, making it a subject.

Identify the following:

"Hunting is a great sport"

• Moral

• Theme

• Subject

Answer explanation

This isn't a lesson, and it's more detailed than a topic, so it is a theme.

True or false:

A subject in "The Most Dangerous Game" is fear.

• True

• False