THEME and SYMBOL

(Okay, but what does it really mean?)

Theme: the message or meaning behind a literary work. It must be stated as a FULL SENTENCE. For example:

• Good triumphs over evil (Harry Potter).

• Simple, everyday people can be heroes (The Hobbit).

• Difficult choices are part of growing up (The Outsiders).

What might be the theme of the picture below?

What might be the theme of the picture below?

What might be the theme of the picture below?

Symbol: a person, animal, place, object, or activity that stands for something beyond itself.

ColorsRed: emotion, anger, passionWhite: purity, holiness

SeasonsSpring: new beginning, birth, rebirthAutumn: aging, near death

AnimalsDove: peaceFox: slyness

What might an apple symbolize?

What might the moon symbolize?

What might a bridge symbolize?

NOTE: Many literary works may share a common theme, but the genre of the work affects the way that the theme is revealed to the reader!

Theme Across Genres

Short Story • Characters

• Conflicts (external and

internal)

• Setting

• Title

Poem• Speaker’s thoughts and feelings

• Words and phrases

• Key images

• Stanzas and lines

• Sound devices (alliteration,

repetition, etc.)