Big Ideas in Literature

Which of the following is an example of theme?

• Cinderella was thoughtful and kind.

• Jack risked his life to save Jane.

• Don't judge people by outward experiences.

• Happiness

Which of the following is an example of theme?

• One person can make a difference.

• Missy knew she would always be grateful.

• The donkey was stubborn and did not change.

• Sir John became famous for slaying the dragon.

Which of the following is an example of theme?

• Connor overcame his obstacles with his mind set.

• People's decisions are often an indication of their true character.

• Risa took a bad situation and made the most of it.

• Jack is a follower.

Which of the following is an example of theme?

• Inequality

• Justice

• Hope

• Your past does not define you.

What is theme?

• Message about life that the author expresses.

• Sequence of events.

• The time, location, and mood of a story.

• The main idea.

What does theme add to a story?

• A sense of location.

• Motivation for the characters.

• An important message.

• Dialogue for the characters.

Three flies notice an overturned honey pot. Two of the flies decide to land in the honey and start eating it. But the oldest fly stays back. The two flies tease the older fly, but then get stuck in the honey. What is the moral of this story?

• Some prizes aren't worth it.

• Insects value food over safety.

• Overeating leads to illness.

• Always send a tester.

A story's theme might be difficult to figure out because...

• authors rarely want the reader to figure it out.

• it has little to do with plot, characters, and other story elements.

• only complicated, adult stories have themes.

• It is rarely stated explicitly.

Which characterization best reinforces the theme of the importance of being prepared?

• The hero spends a great deal of time training to defeat a villian.

• The hero fights a villian who can control minds.

• The hero lives in a society where every part of your life is planned out in advance.

• The hero keeps dreaming of the problems he faces.

There once was a speedy hare who bragged about how fast he could run. Tired of hearing him boast, Slow and Steady, the tortoise, challenged him to a race. Hare ran down the road for a while and then paused to rest. Slow and Steady walked and walked. He never, ever stopped until he came to the finish line. The animals who were watching cheered so loudly for Tortoise, they woke up Hare, but it was too late. Tortoise was over the line.

What is the theme of this story?

• Don't be lazy.

• Our friends are always there for us.

• Turtles are faster than rabbits.

• It is better to take your time and do it right than to rush and fail.