Transcript Theme theme_ppt

Theme in Literature
Definition
Theme:
The central message or
insight into life revealed
through a literary work
Examples:
Star Wars
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Good is more powerful than Evil
Finding Nemo
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Children need freedom and
trust to grow strong
Friendship helps make the
impossible possible
Basic Characteristics
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A theme may be stated or implied
It’s a generalized statement
Involves a statement or opinion about the topic
Not every literary work has a theme
There is usually no single correct statement of a
work’s theme, though there can be incorrect
ones.
Themes may be major or minor
A Theme is NOT
plot summary
 A statement that contains character’s
names or events from the story– it’s
general
 a motif (usually a one-word description)
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Loneliness = motif
Loneliness kills hope = theme
Constructing a Theme
Theme = Subject + Author’s comment on that subject
(major motif/concept in the story)
(states author’s opinion, conclusions about the subject)
Using this formula will yield a complete sentence about a
major idea in the work.
Subject + Author’s comment on
that subject
 Prejudice is difficult to overcome since it is
essentially irrational.
How Do Authors Express Themes?
In 4 primary ways:
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The way the
characters change
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The nature of the
conflicts in the story
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How the conflicts are
resolved
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The statements made
by the narrator or
characters
Questions that help:
1. What are the traits of the main character? What are
his/her needs and desires? Do they stay the same
all the way through? Are we supposed identify with
him/her?
2. What are main and minor conflicts? Character vs.
character? Character vs. society or nature?
Character vs. self?
3. How are those conflicts resolved?
4. What did the main character learn? How did he/she
change?
5. Are there any important symbols or motifs that are
repeated?
6. Is the title a clue?