Theme

The theme of a story is the

• main character

• message about life written in one statement.

• sequence of events

• short summary of what the story is about

Which of the following could be the theme of a story?

• Fear is more dangerous than any beast.

• A brave young girl pretends to be a man and takes her father's place in the army.

• a fear of heights

• "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dogs, too!"

Which of the following could be a theme of a story?

• Your past does not define you. 
• returning home after a long time
• A man sees a group of people he used to work for a long time ago. 
• an old man who used to be a farmer

One summer's day, a merry Grasshopper was dancing, singing and playing his violin with all his heart. He saw an Ant passing by working hard to store food for the winter. “Come and sing with me instead of working so hard,” said the Grasshopper “Let’s have fun together.” “I must store food for the winter,” said the Ant,“ and I advise you to do the same.” “Don’t worry about winter, it’s still very far away,” said the Grasshopper, laughing at him. But the Ant wouldn’t listen and continued to work. When winter came, the starving Grasshopper went to the Ant’s house and humbly begged for something to eat. “If you had listened to my advice in the summer you would not now be in need,” said the Ant. “I’m afraid you will have to go without supper,” and he closed the door.

What is the theme?

• All should share with their neighbors.

• There is a time for work and a time for play.

• Be respectful of others.

• Don't be greedy.

A theme should always be written as...

• A sentence or statement
• A phrase
• One or two words
• A brief summary of 5-8 sentences. 

These books are about characters who never give up, even when times get hard! What universal theme is that?

• honesty

• kindness

• loyalty

• perseverance

These books have characters who work together to solve problems. What universal theme is that?

• compassion

• cooperation

• courage

• kindness

Characters in these books are friendly, generous, and considerate of others throughout the story. What universal theme is that?

• honesty

• courage

• compassion

• kindness

In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing felt as if he would die of thirst. Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble the water rose a little higher until at last it was near enough so he could drink.

What is the theme?

• Don't give up; keep trying.

• Be honest and kind.

• Always share with others.

• Respect your family.

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for theme?

• message
• moral
• life lesson
• fable