Theme What is it and how do I

Theme What is it and how do I find it?

Theme: A definition The theme in a piece of literature is defined by Literarydevices. net as: A main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly. Notice This that it says “A”, not “The” means that a book or short story can have several themes, each emphasized equally, or in varying degrees.

Theme: A clarification “Main Idea” or “Underlying Meaning” Clearly one cannot express either of these in a single word or phrase. To express theme, one needs a SENTENCE. Examples: Gatsby: Humans cannot reclaim time. Crucible: False ideologies are dangerous. The Art of Racing in the Rain: Plan ahead, but to truly live, you must exist in the moment.

Revealing Themes Example: Romeo and Juliet A major theme in this play is that Hatred is destructive. How do we know this? Because of the feud between the two families, SIX people end up dead, most notably, Romeo and Juliet themselves. That’s pretty destructive.

Not so fast there, Tex. Themes are not always that obvious, in fact, they can be pretty subtle.

So, How are Themes built? Authors have a number of materials they use to reveal theme. Literary devices: Motif Symbol Events Structures

Building Theme e m e Th M Self-discovery is the main purpose of life. ot if Individuality/Voice Equality nd s a res l o b tu Sym Struc r e Oth The Pear Tree Janie’s Hair The Horizon Jody won’t let Janie speak. The Gun

Last Words Themes may be major or minor. This is not necessarily an indicator of IMPORTANCE, but of focus. Major means theme is focused on more in the text. There are more details which support it. Minor means less attention is paid to this theme in the text. Fewer details support a minor theme. The importance of a theme is a separate issue and depends far more on the reader, than on the author.

Last Words A theme Advice: You A is NOT: ta ! o N me e Th should never fight with family. mere opinion: Brussel sprouts are icky. Not The a me! A theme is the author’s attempt to state a universal truth or life lesson.

E! EM TH Theme! Self-Actualization is the main purpose of human life. EM Theme! em Th THEME! TH e! THEME! E!

Journal Entry #3 Thinking over themes and motifs we have discovered in TEWWG, what do you think the main message (theme) of the book is? Why?