IDENTIFYING THEME Here's how to do it...
Dec 30, 2015
WHAT IS THEME?
Theme is the underlying message of a story or poem
Theme is a big idea: something you can learn about life in general
REMINDER:
Theme is NOT a single word...that might be the topic of the text
For example, the topic could be family.
The theme is related to the topic, but it's a message or lesson about it.
Ex: Family will always be there for you.
FINDING THEMES
Sometimes an author will directly tell you the theme of the text.
If this is the case, the theme will usually be written at the end of the story/poem.
If the theme is not stated, you will have to make an inference.
DIRECTLY STATED:
Walking down the hallway with her best friend, Lisa realized it is better to stand up for what you believe in than to follow the crowd.
INFER:
"I'm glad you told them they were wrong," Madison said. "Imagine if you hadn't? You'd be in the principal's office, right next to them!"