Plot Summary vs. Theme Analysis

This novel is about...

• This sentence is most likely going to be about the plot.

• This sentence is most likely going to be about the theme.

The events that happen in a story are called the . . .

• plot

• theme

The "big idea", message, or lesson of a story is called the . . .

• plot

• theme

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

What is NOT a good definition of theme?

• topic or subject + message = theme

• what the story is about with characters, setting, and actions

• meaning of a literary work, message, or moral about life or human nature

• the reason why an authors writes the story, their opinions on topics in the story

When a character learns, discovers, or realizes something:

• theme

• plot

The events of a story:

• theme

• plot

• setting

• resolution

Informs the reader of events that took place in the text:

• Plot Summary

• Theme Analysis

Tells the reader how an event in the text is related to a larger issue, or gives the symbolism/ deeper meaning of an image:

• Plot Summary

• Theme Analysis

Will not contain any of the writer's original thoughts or ideas:

• Plot Summary

• Theme Analysis

Explaining why or how the text is significant or important:

• Plot Summary

• Theme Analysis