Theme
„ After reviewing your ticket out the door on theme, I
thought we could use a little more practice.
„ Here are a couple of things to remember when trying
to decide what the theme of a story might be.
What is Theme?
„ Theme: is a message about life or
human nature that the author tries to
convey to the reader.
The theme is not the subject!
„ It is important to recognize the difference between the theme of a
literary work and the subject of a literary work. The subject is the
topic on which an author has chosen to write. The theme, however,
makes some statement about or expresses some opinion on that topic.
For example, the subject of a story might be war while the theme
might be the idea that war is useless.
Four Ways In Which An Author Can Express
Theme:
(use your graphic organizer to take notes)
1. Themes are expressed by the way the author makes us feel.. By sharing feelings of
the main character you also share the ideas that go through his mind.
2. Themes are presented in thoughts and conversations. Authors put words in their
character’s mouths only for good reasons. One of these is to develop a story’s
themes.
Four ways to express theme…
3. Themes are suggested through the characters. The main character
usually illustrates the most important theme of the story. A good way
to get at this theme is to ask yourself the question, what does the
main character learn in the course of the story?
4. The actions or events in the story are used to suggest theme. People
naturally express ideas and feelings through their actions.
Pair and Share:
Take a minute and discuss the following questions
with your partner.
„ What is a theme in the story “Dark they were, and Golden-Eyed?”
„ What is a theme in the story “The Monsters Are Due On Maple
Street?”
Movie Mania
Can you name the theme?
Using the following movie posters, slogans, and titles, what do you
think is the theme of the movie?
There is no greater magic than a dream come true!
The theme is:
Dreams can come true!
What was once your life is now your legend!
The theme is:
Finding the purpose of your
life!
Don’t need to watch where I am going. Just need to know
where I’ve Been.
The theme is:
Where you have been in life
shapes who you will become
and where you will go!
Nothing on Earth Could Come Between Them
The theme is:
Love conquers all!
They grew up on the outside of society. They weren’t looking
for a fight. They were looking to belong.
The Theme is:
Finding Where You belong in Life!
When people say dreams don’t come true, tell them about
Rudy.
The Theme is:
Believe in the power of your dreams!
Someone you pass on the street may already be the love of your
life.
The Theme is:
What you are looking for is sometimes
right under your nose!
He’s out to Prove He’s got Nothing to Prove.
The Theme is:
Is there really a theme to this movie?
Just Kidding!
Don’t be afraid to be who you are!
The End
Now it is your turn to create your own themes! Can you
design your own theme poster to help promote the latest
Fantasy or Science Fiction movie?
Brainstorm with your partner and then create your own movie
title, characters, and theme!
Make an attractive poster to advertise for the upcoming
Hollywood Hit!