THEME!
Not as hard as
you think!
What IS “theme”?
“In fiction, the theme is not intended to
teach or preach. In fact, it is not
presented directly at all. You extract it
from the characters, action, and setting
that make up the story. In other words,
you must figure out the theme yourself.”
(http://www.learner.org/interactives/literature/read/theme1.html)
Theme is… Theme is NOT…
The central idea or Expressed in a
insight in a work of single word
literature The moral of the
The idea the writer story
wishes to convey to The conflict of the
the reader on the story
subject; his or her
view of the world
How do we identify the
theme?
Check out the title. Sometimes it tells you a
lot about the theme.
Notice repeating patterns and symbols.
Look into allusions (references to other areas
of culture) made throughout the story
Look at the details in the story - What greater
meaning may they have?
Let’s Try It!
TITLE: Drummer Boy of Shiloh
Repeating Patterns/ Symbols:
• The drum
• The blossoms/ peach stones
Any allusions?
The Civil War - more Americans died in
this war than all other wars combined!
Details:
Description/ Purpose of the General - he serves
as a “father figure” to Joby
Let’s Try It!
TITLE: Rikki Tikki Tavi
Repeating Patterns/ Symbols:
• Snake vs. Mongoose
• Protection of loved ones
Any allusions?
Nope!
Details:
Descriptions of Rikki’s actions as being unwise,
not what “older” mongoose’s would do