THEME What makes a story stay in our

THEME What makes a story stay in our minds and hearts after we have read it? This is often as a result of the idea on which the story was built – theme! © Presto Plans

WHAT IS It is a significant idea/statement the THEME? story is making about society or human nature. © Presto Plans

FINDING THEME Theme is NOT directly stated in a text. The reader must make inferences and draw conclusions. © Presto Plans

SUBJECT VS. THEME Sometimes people mix up theme with the subject. The Difference: Subject = Topic: “Beauty” Theme = Reveals something about the subject: “Beauty is found within. ” © Presto Plans

SUBJECT VS. THEME Some other examples: Subject Theme Dreams are necessary for a happy life. Courage is not absence of fear, but the mastery of fear. © Presto Plans

FINDING THEME You can find themes in: - music lyrics - poetry - novels - short stories - movies - tv shows © Presto Plans

THEME OF A SONG Click the link below to listen to Taylor Swift’s song “Mean. ” http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=j. Ya 1 e. I 1 hp. DE As you listen, consider what idea/statement the song is making about society and human nature. © Presto Plans

POSSIBLE THEMES Below are some possible themes of the song “Mean” by Taylor Swift. Believe in yourself. Strong people show resilience in the face of adversity. Bullying can have damaging effects. © Presto Plans

FINDING THEME When reading fiction, theme is often revealed through the plot, characters, and conflict. It is NOT stated directly. © Presto Plans

CHARACTERS How characters can reveal theme: Consider how the main character changes in the reading. What do they learn? © Presto Plans

CONFLICT How conflict can reveal theme: Consider how the conflict is resolved in the story and what message it sends. © Presto Plans

UNIVERSAL THEMES “Universal themes” are ones which deal with human concerns that are found time again in literature. For example, good vs. evil is a universal theme. © Presto Plans

THEMATIC Writing a thematic statement: STATEMENT Connect a story’s topic with what the story reveals about the topic. Ambition in excess leads to a persons downfall Story Topic Revelation on the topic (theme) © Presto Plans

THEMATIC Think of. STATEMENT a story you have read or a movie you have watched. Write a thematic statement about it. In _____, the author/filmmaker presents thematic idea that ____________. © Presto Plans

THEMATIC EXAMPLE STATEMENT Click HERE to watch The Hunger Games trailer In The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins presents thematic idea of… - the inequality between the rich and poor. - human suffering as entertainment. - power as a corrupting force. © Presto Plans