Theme:

The

story’s main idea.The message writer

wants to communicate

by telling the story.The central idea

of a story.

Theme is about life

or human nature .Theme is not stated

directly but must be

inferred.Its not a moral

lesson or rule of

living.

Types of theme

Implied themes

must be inferred by

considering all the

elements of a story

and asking what

message about life is

conveyed.

Stated themes

are directly

presented in a

story. And is

easily

defined.

Big World of the Theme.Applies to the “Real” World.

Identifying Themes

Themes are not explicit (clearly stated).Themes are implied.

Themes are bigger than the story.

SmallWorldof theStory

For example:

The theme of “Cinderella” is implied. The reader can infer the message that if you are in a bad situation, you should do the best that you can. In the end, things will work out for you. 

Theme can be revealed

by:

A story’s title.

Key phrases and

statements

about big

ideas.

The ways the

characters change

and the lesson they

learn about life.

Theme and topic matchup:

Courage Revenge Jealousy Dreams

1-Be careful how you treat other people; 1-___________

They may treat you the same.

2-Face your fear and you can defeat them. 2-__________

3-Do not wish for what others posses. Be 3-___________

Happy with what you have.

4-Work what you want in life and you can 4-___________

Achieve any goal.

Creating thematic statements (not topic):

Example: Courage

• Courage allows people attempt difficult task

 (Topic) (Thematic Statement)

Friendship helps people get through tough times.

Love can help us heal.

 

Themes are Usually about Big ideas:For example:FreedomFriendshipTrustGood vs. evilPovertyEducationLifeLaw BraveryAnd much, much more

Valuable points:Theme is not the one

word topic.Theme is the point

being made about the

topic.Theme is statement

about life.A good theme teaches

a valuable lesson about

life .

Some stories have

only one theme or

message. Other

stories have many

lessons or messages.

Bravery _______________________________________________

Topic Thematic Statement

Creating thematic statements (not topic): The Crayon

Box that Talked

 (Topic) (Thematic Statement)

 

Creating thematic statements (not topic): Crunch Munch

Dinosaur Lunch

 (Topic) (Thematic Statement)

 

Creating thematic statements (not topic):Red or Blue I

Like You

 (Topic) (Thematic Statement)

 

Creating thematic statements (not topic): Miss Spider’s

Tea Party

 (Topic) (Thematic Statement)

 

Review

1. Theme is what we can learn from a story.

2. Themes must be inferred. 3. Themes are about the BIG world.