Practice Identifying Themes

A notoriously talented runner loses to an unlikely rival when he naps halfway through a race.

Which theme best applies?

• Humans need to compete with one another.

• Sometimes we confuse illusions for what is real.

• Overconfidence and complacency will lead to your downfall.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

A radical young architect comes into conflict with an establishment bound by tradition.

• Loss of innocence

• The individual vs. the collective

• Power corrupts

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

While all signs point to him becoming an evil wizard, a young student desires to become good.

• Everyday life is magical.

• A person determines their own destiny.

• If you are not cautious, evil will prevail.

A new immigrant discovers the harsh working conditions and wage slavery of the American meatpacking industry.

• Flesh has a fragile nature.

• Individual success can lead to greatness.

• Capitalism can be evil.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

An orphaned Victorian man falls in love with an aristocratic woman, but cannot marry her until his true identity as a fellow aristocrat in good standing is revealed.

• Victorians cared too much about trivial things such as status, and not enough about serious things like true love.

• People should only get married if they are truly in love.

• Though women think they have power over their husbands, ultimately their husbands exercise power over them.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2