Understanding Themes in Literature

What is the theme of a story?

• A character's main goal.

• The setting where the story takes place.

• The moral, message, or lesson the author wants you to learn.

• The main conflict in the plot.

Which of the following questions helps in finding the theme of a story?

• What is the main character's favorite color?

• What message is the author trying to send?

• How many pages does the book have?

• Who is the story's antagonist?

What did Arthur do that upset his family at the beach?

• He swam too far from the shore.

• He built a sandcastle too close to the water.

• He pretended to be drowning.

• He refused to play with his family.

Why did no one come to help Arthur when he was actually drowning?

• They didn't hear his cries for help.

• They thought he was joking again.

• They were too far away to reach him.

• They didn't know how to swim.

What is the main lesson or theme conveyed by the story of Arthur?

• It's important to be a strong swimmer.

• Always go to the beach with your family.

• Lying can cause people to lose trust in you.

• Waves at the beach can be dangerous.