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Theme

Theme. What exactly is this elusive thing called theme?. Theme. The theme is the author’s message about life or human behavior. Part of your job, as the reader , is to understand what the author is trying to express .

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Theme

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  1. Theme What exactly is this elusive thing called theme?

  2. Theme • The theme is the author’s messageabout life or human behavior. • Part of your job, as the reader, is to understand what the author is trying to express. • Writers seldom come out and say, “Hey, reader! This is what I want you to know!” • You need to make inferencesand draw conclusions about what the author is trying to express. • Theme is NOT the topic. It is the point being made about the topic.

  3. Finding a ThemeWhat to Think About • What is the topic, or the “big idea,” of the work? • What do the characters or author say or do that relates to the topic? • What does the author or characters tell you that is important to learn about life? The topic is… They say… They do… It is important to…

  4. Themevs. topic • Topic: Basketball • Theme: Working as a team is import for success It will normally be a statement, not just ONE WORD.

  5. Think of it like a theme song.. • When you hear the theme song for your favorite TV show you don’t think of a specific show. What do you think of when you hear this clip?

  6. … look at this picture Rugrats • What do you think the theme is?

  7. What is a “biG idea” of a work? • Themes are usually about big ideas, like freedom, trust, friendship, dreams, family, good vs. evil and so on. • Before reading, preview the text to look for clues to the big idea in the title, in the first and last paragraphs, and in any repeated words or ideas.

  8. What clues in the Title, First Paragraph, Last Paragraph and Repeated Words Give Clue to the Theme? Title: Follow the Trail First Paragraph: Far in the distance and to the very edge of the horizon was a path cut out by wagon wheels. If you followed that path you would find a land of gold and opportunity. This path was hard to travel and had many obstacles along the way. Last paragraph: My travels have finally led me to my destination. Here I can start a new life with my family. There will be no more dust, no more danger, and no more aching muscles. I can finally rest my head. I think the theme is ______________.

  9. Title: Follow the Trail First Paragraph: Far in the distance and to the very edge of the horizon was a path cut out by wagon wheels. If you followed that path you would find a land of gold and opportunity. This path was hard to travel and had many obstacles along the way. Last paragraph: My travels have finally led me to my destination. Here I can start a new life with my family. There will be no more dust, no more danger, and no more aching muscles. I can finally rest my head. The Big Idea is going on a Journey.

  10. What Do the Characters Say and Do That Relate to the Big Idea of Journey? Circle the Clues. “We have passed the halfway mark. Soon we will arrive at our new home,” father patiently explained. “Will we have anyone to play with?” Amy asked hopefully. “Yes, now climb back into the wagon and get ready to leave. We have many more miles to travel today.” Father took the horses reins into his hands and clicked his tongue to make the horses begin walking. The wagon moved slowly across the bumpy dirt path.

  11. “We have passed the halfway mark. Soon we will arrive at our new home,” father patiently explained. “Will we have anyone to play with?” Amy asked hopefully. “Yes, now climb back into the wagon and get ready to leave. We have many more miles to travel today.” Father took the horses reins into his hands and clicked his tongue to make the horses begin walking. The wagon moved slowly across the bumpy dirt path.

  12. Decide What the Theme Is • Remember, the theme is NOT the topic of the work but a point made about the topic. • It is a statement about life or human behavior.

  13. What Do the Clues We Found Tell Us That is Important to Learn About Life? • The clues in this example talk about taking a journey, that the journey is difficult, and the traveler will arrive at a destination with opportunities. • The author’s theme may be that even if a journey is difficult to take, there are rewards when you reach your destination.

  14. Match the Topic With a Theme Topic Courage Revenge Jealousy Dreams Be careful how you treat other people ________________ because they may treat you the same. Face your fears and you can defeat them. _______________ Do not wish for what others possess. _______________ Be happy with what you have. Work for what you want in life and you _______________ can achieve any goal.

  15. So, what is theme? Well, it depends… • The theme of a fable is its moral. • The theme of a parable is its teaching. • The theme of a piece of fiction is its view about life and how people behave.

  16. Some Common Themes • good versus evil • a great journey • growing up • jealousy/revenge • relationships (friendship, family, love/marriage, etc.) • conflicts with nature or God • conflicts with society or rules • doing the right thing • mystery

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