THEME

The message or insight into life presented by the author through a story

What the writer wants you to remember the most

Understanding Theme Find the “big ideas” or general topics

Find out what the characters do, say, and experience that relates to the topic

Come up with a STATEMENT of the writer’s point or message about the topic

Step 1: Find “Big Ideas” or Topics

Look for clues Title introductory information summaries

Common Topics Growing up, self-improvement, self-

reliance, identity Love, hate, hope, faith, truth, patience,

loyalty Freedom, family, friendship,

independence justice, nature, prejudice, war, violence

Step 2: Relate characters to topics

Characters’ thoughts about “big ideas,” or emphasized topics, or life in general Usually a clue to theme Often from protagonist (but not always)

A Change in a Character

What caused the change? What is important about the change?

Does the character learn anything?

Does her physical appearance change?

Does the character feel differently about herself?

Do other characters notice changes?

Step 3: Write a theme statement What might the author be saying about an

important topic? What is important to think about or learn?

Support is CRITICAL! Characters’ actions, words Conflict Mood & tone

Theme Organizer Topic

What characters say or do

What is important to learn

Writing good theme statements

Make a point. A complete sentence Says something important about the topic

“The Fifty-First Dragon” Topic: believing in oneself Theme: People will believe in anything when

they don’t believe in themselves.

Writing good theme statements

Avoid vague (unspecific) words Be precise with word choices

“The Fifty-First Dragon” Vague: Self-confidence is good.

Specific: Having self-confidence is better than relying on false hope.

Writing good theme statements

Avoid using character names Apply to life, to people in general Make a statement about life, not the story

“The Fifty-First Dragon” No: Gawaine should have believed in himself rather than

magic.

Yes: Believing in oneself is a much better predictor of success than believing in false hope, such as magic.