Notes on ThemeTheme is a universal statement about life or people. It fits people of all time periods and cultures. It often explains why people act a certain way or what we tend to do in a certain situation.

Example: People judge others when they don’t understand them.

Theme is like the root of a tree.

If it has a lot of connections, if people can relate to it, then the story is good to more people.

How do you figure out a theme?

Finding the Theme:

1. How does the main character change?2. How is the conflict resolved?3. What parts of the story did I relate to?4. Is this Universal? (has it happened to me?

Has it happened to someone I know? Do I know people who think this way?)

5. THEME MUST BE A COMPLETE SENTENCE OR MORE!

6. IT IS NEVER ONE WORD!

Example:

Name these things in the story:

1. Character:

2. Plot (what happened)

3. Setting

Now lets see if we can find a theme:

1. How does the main character change?

2. How is the conflict resolved?

3. What parts of the story did I relate to?

4. Is this Universal? (has it happened to me? Has it happened to someone I know? Do I know people who think this way?)

Theme is NEVER ONE

WORD!

Theme Quiz1. Fill in the blanks: Theme is never _____ _________.

2. Name three clues or questions you can ask to help you find the theme in a story.

3. What are the two KEY things about theme? (They can’t be a theme without these)

4. Is this an example of a theme? Silver Fin is about eels. Explain your answer.

5. Why is theme important?

Writing with a theme in mind

1. What do you want to say about life or people?

2. What do you want people to be aware of that they may not have thought of before?

3. Is this something your mom, your teacher, a pen pal in Alaska could relate to?

4. What is the big picture beyond the details and events of the story?