Understanding Themes in Stories

What is a theme in a story?

• A one-word summary of the story

• The lesson the author wants us to learn

• The name of the main character

• A detailed description of the setting

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How can we find a story's theme?

• Observing the actions of characters and their consequences

• By reading the last page of the book

• Memorizing the names of all characters

• Focusing on the story's title

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What should you do to find a theme in a story?

• Skip to the end of the story

• Only read the first chapter

• Focus on the illustrations

• Analyze characters' actions and their consequences

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which of the following is a rule about themes?

• Themes change depending on the reader's age

• Themes must include the protagonist's name

• Themes are always one word

• Themes are complete sentences and universally true

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Why do themes not include character names?

• Because themes are not important

• To make them applicable to everyone

• To make the story more interesting

• Because character names are hard to remember

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is an incorrect way to describe a theme?

• A universal truth

• A detailed character biography

• Applicable to anyone

• A complete sentence

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What theme is illustrated by Cinderella's animal friends helping her?

• Animals are smarter than humans

• All stories must have a fairy godmother

• Nothing is impossible with teamwork

• Magic solves all problems

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does the theme 'True love will always win in the end' imply?

• Love is only true in fairy tales

• True love overcomes all obstacles

• Love is not important in stories

• Only wicked characters find true love

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does the story of Cinderella help in understanding themes?

• By showing the importance of names

• Through its complex scientific concepts

• By illustrating themes through characters' actions

• It does not help at all

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is a key takeaway about themes?

• They must be memorized by heart

• They are irrelevant in modern literature

• They help us learn lessons from the story

• They are only for children's stories

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2