What is Theme?

What is the difference between topic and theme in literature?

• Topic is the same as theme in literature

• Theme refers to the setting of the work, while topic refers to the characters

• Topic is the general subject(s) in a work of literature, while theme is the statement(s) made about the topic.

• Topic is the message or meaning conveyed by a literary work, while theme refers to the subject matter of the work

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

• Trust

• Pizza and burgers are the top U.S. popular foods.

• Love and Sacrifice

• Sometimes the best form of communication is silence and a listening ear.

Themes are statements, not single words.

• True

• False

Look at the image and decide what theme the image is trying to teach.

• 
  Ordinary people can be heroes.

• Treat others with kindness.

• Lying can lead to consequences.

• Hard work pays off.

The message or lesson that the author wants you to learn from the story is...

• Thesis

• Topic

• Theme

• Setting

What is the first step in identifying the theme of a story?

• Read carefully.

• Ask yourself what the author wants you to learn.

• Look for patterns in the text.

• Determine the topic(s).

Look at the image and decide what theme the image is trying to teach.

• You should cheat to win.

• It pays to be honest.

• Always work hard.

• Teamwork is best.

There can only be one theme in a work of literature.

• True

• False

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

• Indifference

• Hate

• Love

• Jealousy

• None of the above

Themes often explore social issues, human nature, the human condition, or the world at large.

• True

• False