Theme

• A theme of a literary text is its central message or lesson.

The Hare and the Tortoise• You have probably read quite a few fables by

Aesop and know that they typically involve animal characters that learn a lesson.

• In “The Hare and the Tortoise,” for example, the characters learn a lesson that “slow and steady wins the race.”

• In fables, the theme is usually directly stated in the text. In most stories, you have to figure out the theme

• Themes are general statements about life and people.

• A written work may have a single theme or multiple themes.

COMMON THEMES IN LITERATUREHonesty is the best policy.Don’t be afraid to try something new.Don‘t put off till tomorrow what you should do today.Don’t pretend to be something you’re not.Hard work and determination are rewarded.Appearances can be deceiving.Be loyal to your friends.

How to figure out theme Example

The title of a passage may be a clue to its theme.

“The Problem with Television”Theme - There is a problem with television.

You may determine theme by thinking about what characters say or do and the lessons they learn.

A character treats everyone poorly until one day someone gives her a taste of her own medicine and she does not like it.Theme- treat others as you would like to be treated

Pay attention to recurring images, events, or objects.

Consider the story’s setting and its important ideas.

A story that takes place on an isolated island.Theme – People’s need other people.

Authors often use repetition to draw attention to important ideas or themes.

A play in which a character helps her friends in several scenes.Theme- Be kind to people in need.

Identifying Theme

• To identify theme, you have to consider all the details in the passage and come up with a statement that captures the essential lesson or message of the passage.