Theme What is Theme Central idea or underlying

Theme

What is Theme? �Central idea or underlying message of the text �Rarely stated in the text Must make an inference Use the plot, character, and/or setting

Do not confuse Theme with topic, main idea, or plot! �Theme is the message we take away from the written piece about people, life, and the world around us. �Topic is the main idea of the story. �Plot includes the events in the story.

Universal Theme �About life and/or human nature �Common to people throughout the world �Provides guidance through life

How do I find theme? �Often the title gives us hint about theme. Remember , theme addresses the entire piece of writing �We can state theme in many ways Each of us has prior experiences We are each unique

Identifying Theme �Theme is not the topic, but a lesson you can apply to your life For example: family You should always put your family before your friends

Identifying Theme �You can determine theme by examining how the character has changed A dynamic character develops throughout the story What did this character learn through his experiences

Identifying Theme �Conflict can help determine theme Conflict Resolution Theme Helping to feed the poor is beneficial to all involved.

Is a theme always valid? �Evaluate the writer’s ideas Is theme realistic? Then it is valid. ▪ If you put your best foot forward, you will usually succeed. Is theme idealistic? Then it is not valid ▪ Good people never have any problems.