Theme is often described as the underlying meaning

* Theme is often described as the “underlying meaning of the story” and makes a significant statement about: * Society * Human nature * The conditions we (or others) live in * It is important to note that your personal beliefs may not agree with theme of a story, but a skillfully written piece will still illuminate important aspects of the human experience.

*To begin, look at the story and decide on a major topic that is explored. *One could argue that the story “Just Lather…That’s All” is about difficult choices. *Perhaps the story “Contents…Pocket” is about ambition. *

* What are some “big ideas” explored in the novel? * Redemption * Relationship between parents/children * Segregation * Oppression * Betrayal * forgiveness * Choose one “big idea” that you want to work with today! *

*Create a statement that says what the author is trying to reveal about the “big idea”. *Ex. Just Lather…That’s All * Big idea= difficult choices * What the author reveals about the “big idea”= we all have to make difficult choices in our lives. *

*Using your “big idea” that you chose earlier… *Create a statement that says what the author is trying to reveal about the “big idea”. * “Big idea”= _______ * What the author reveals about the “big idea”=_______________ *

* 1. * 2. Choose the “big idea” that you will explore. Begin a theme statement by listing the name of the book, and author. * Ex. “The novel Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini…” * 3. Now finish the statement by adding what the author REVEALS about the “big idea”. * Ex. “The novel Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is about _____, and reveals that _____________________. ” *

*Congratulations! Now you have a theme statement, and while that is often difficult, it is just the first step in our process. *Now you need to PROVE your claim. * Find examples of incidents that happen, and quotes to back up your claim. *