IDENTIFYING THEMES What is a theme? What are some common themes? Is there a way to identify a theme? Copyright © 2015 The Teacher Writing Center, a division.

IDENTIFYING THEMES

What is a theme? What are some common themes?Is there a way to identify a theme?

Copyright © 2015 The Teacher Writing Center, a division of SG Consulting, Inc. www.grammargallery.org

Warm-Up

Look at the image above. What do you see?

From Grammar Gallery, www.grammargallery.org. Copyright 2014, The Teacher Writing Center, a division of SG Consulting, Inc.

Warm-Up

Imagine you saw this image on the cover of a book. What would you

think the book is about? From Grammar Gallery, www.grammargallery.org. Copyright 2014, The Teacher Writing Center, a division of SG Consulting, Inc.

This image gives you a clue to the big idea or theme of the book. This book

is probably going to be about love and betrayal.

From Grammar Gallery, www.grammargallery.org. Copyright 2014, The Teacher Writing Center, a division of SG Consulting, Inc.

What is a theme?

A theme (or big idea) is the message, moral, or lesson the author wants you to learn from reading the story.

What are some common themes?

• courage/ cowardice •war/peace •hope/despair •envy • love/hate • faith •good/evil

• joy/pain •purity • trust/betrayal •perseverance • sorrow/ happiness•humility/pride • importance of appearance

How can you identify a theme?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What did the characters learn?2. Did the characters grow or change? If so,

in what way? 3. If the characters didn’t grow or change,

why not?

Is there a right answer to the question, “What’s the theme?”

No. Different readers may identify different themes. And stories often have more than one theme. Here’s one way to answer the question, “What’s the theme?”

I think the theme of the story is _________ because _________. In the text, for example, _________.

Here’s an example:

What’s the theme of The Hunger Games?

I think the theme of The Hunger Games is the importance of appearance because throughout the book, the author emphasizes what Katniss and the other characters wear. For example, at the opening of the games, Katniss and Peeta wear outfits that feature fire, which is a symbol of power.

Identifying a Theme – You Try!

Robin Hood is a story about an outlaw who robbed rich, evil nobles and gave money to poor people.

What do you think is the theme of this story?

For Reference and More Practice …

Refer to the Identifying Big Ideas and Themes Student Reference Sheet.

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Teacher Notes

Slide 10: Students might say the theme is about the struggle between good and evil. Robin Hood and his men are always portrayed as being just, whereas their adversaries are evil, greedy, powerful nobles.