Theme and Main Idea

What important life lesson does Oprah Winfrey reflect in her quote?

• surround yourself with people that will motivate you to not achieve your dreams

• people will try to drag you down, do not let them

• only surround yourself with people you do not like and learn from them

• surround yourself with people that will motivate you to do great things and succeed.

Can shows and movies on TV have themes?

• No, only books can.

• TV shows and movies don't fit into any themes.

• They can have themes just like books can.

• They are the only literary works that can have themes.

The theme of a piece of literature is the same as its ...

• message

• significance

• subject

• meaning

• Splitting the room in half can be a good way to tackle a painting job
• It’s better to do things right the first time
• If you have a good suggestion, adults will agree with it
• Painting a room can be a time-consuming task.

What is the definition of theme?

• a universal message, or moral, about life that a writer wants you to understand; not specific to one story

• why the author is writing the text; inform, entertain, persuade, explain

• the overall idea of the story and is specific to that story

What is the definition of main idea?

• a universal message, or moral, about life that a writer wants you to understand; not specific to one story

• why the author is writing the text; inform, entertain, persuade, explain

• the overall idea of the story and is specific to that story

True love conquers all!

• Theme

• Main Idea

• Author's Purpose

Theme, Main Idea, or Author's Purpose?

Harry Potter must learn to trust Hermione, Ron, and the rest of his friends in the book The Deathly Hallows.

• Author's Purpose

• Main Idea

• Theme

Identify the theme of the following story:

"Chore Money"



Luis was excited. The new game he wanted was finally in stores. “The game is here!” he told his mom. “Can we go buy it?”

“You know, Luis, we have to spend our money carefully. We have to pay for our house and food. We need to buy clothing and books and gas for our car. Our money goes to things we need.”

“But I really want this game!” answered Luis. “What can I do?”

“You get eight dollars a week for doing chores,” his mom said. “Try to save it. Before long, you will have enough to pay for the game.”

“I do not think so,” said Luis. “By then, all the games will be sold.”

“Try it,” replied his mother.

Weeks later, Luis came home very happy. “Guess what, Mama? I did what you said. I saved my chore money. Then I saw the game was on sale. I bought it for less than when it was new.”

“And,” his mother added, “you did it with your own money!”

• Saving money is a smart thing to do.

• Don't waste your money on video games.

Identify the theme of the following story:

"Zombie Lunchlady"

Doris stood there, hand on hip, trying to figure out what to say. She’d already used up most of her standby phrases; things like, “Don’t forget, employees must wash their hands,” and “A smile will go a long way.” What worked for all the other ladies had not worked for this newest employee.

Saying, "Wash your hands,” had led to the new lady carefully removing one hand, rinsing it, reattaching it somewhat sloppily, then attempting to repeat the process with the other one. Encouraging her to smile had sent the entire first grade screaming and running away from the line.

Today, Doris had come to school ready for whatever came to mind. She’d thought to ask her other employees what they might suggest. Looking hopelessly around the group, however, she realized they would not have any suggestions for the new girl. Rather, the new lady had rubbed off on them already. They stood in a similar posture to hers, listlessly lolling their heads about and groaning. Doris cleared her throat anyway. Alerted, they all began creeping closer.

• It is important to focus on the important details.

• Lunch served by zombies is unsanitary.