Lesson 28 — Activity 3: Theme in the Novel
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Lesson 28 — Activity 3:
Theme in the Novel
Theme of the Story:
Some of the best literature that has been written is considered to be timeless. What does this mean and what makes a piece of literature timeless?
Timelessness:
- This refers to the idea that a story is appealing to readers (or viewers) for years, maybe even generations, into the future.
There is something about the story that has people seeking to read it. It may be that the story is just really appealing. Perhaps a character is so memorable that people continue to enjoy “meeting” this character. One common element that great literature has that makes it timeless is theme.
Theme is:
- rarely stated directly
- the central idea or message that the author wants to reveal through the piece of literature
- a perception about people and/or humanity that is often meant to challenge the reader's own attitudes and beliefs
The author:
- wants the readers to learn about themselves or some aspect of humanity
Theme must always be stated in a complete sentence. It answers the question, “What is the story telling me about life or how people interact?”
The author’s message relates to the story but also has meaning for you. You should be able to make connections between the characters and events in the story and people and events in your life.
The author’s message relates to the story but also has meaning for you. You should be able to make connections between the characters and events in the story and people and events in your life.
Listed below are words around which a theme is often developed:
|
ambition
beauty betrayal courage |
duty
fear freedom happiness |
jealousy
loneliness love loyalty |
perseverance
prejudice suffering |
What do we know about the novel The Lie that Had to Be that will help us think about some of the themes that the author might have wanted us to consider?
Think about the title of the novel.
In many cases, the title gives a clue about the author's feelings. The Lie that Had to Be suggests that we should think about the lie that Rennie told.
Did she really have to lie? Were there other lies in the story besides Rennie's? What does the author think about the importance of honesty? Is there something we can learn from the novel about the value various people put on the truth?
In many cases, the title gives a clue about the author's feelings. The Lie that Had to Be suggests that we should think about the lie that Rennie told.
Did she really have to lie? Were there other lies in the story besides Rennie's? What does the author think about the importance of honesty? Is there something we can learn from the novel about the value various people put on the truth?
Another clue to the theme can be the setting.
The Lie that Had to Be is set during a very sad time in world history (World War II), and also deals with a very difficult time for Canadians. This setting gives some clues about what the author might want readers to think about.
What were some of the issues behind the war? What were some of the problems the war caused for Canadians in Canada?
The Lie that Had to Be is set during a very sad time in world history (World War II), and also deals with a very difficult time for Canadians. This setting gives some clues about what the author might want readers to think about.
What were some of the issues behind the war? What were some of the problems the war caused for Canadians in Canada?
Of course, the plot or events of a story will also give us clues about the theme.
The conflicts that the protagonist faces and how successful the protagonist is in dealing with conflict lead us to a better understanding of the author's perspective on life too.
The conflicts that the protagonist faces and how successful the protagonist is in dealing with conflict lead us to a better understanding of the author's perspective on life too.