Theme

Lesson 4

Assignment 6-4


Target


Assignment 

One element of the novel is the theme or the main idea or message of the story. If character is the backbone of the story, and plot is its muscle, then theme is the skin that links everything together.
Theme answers the question, "What is the story telling me about life or how people interact?"

To determine the significance or conclusion you have drawn from the book, refer to details in the story that suggest the author's message. You should be able to connect the characters and events in the story with the people and events in your life.


When considering the theme in your chosen novel, answer these questions:
  • What is the "big idea" in the story?
  • How does the title of the novel relate to that topic?
  • What do characters do or say that relates to that topic?
  • What important lessons about life do readers learn?


To identify theme, consider the following:


  1. Character: Does the protagonist make a decision that changes him or her forever? How the character responds to problems can emphasize a theme.
  2. Setting: What mood or atmosphere do the time and place of the action create in the story?
  3. Literary Devices such as Symbol: What objects are repeated in the story? What meaning might they represent to characters?

Theme connects all the pieces of the novel.


An example of theme from The Three Little Pigs




Theme in The Three Little Pigs could be any of the following:
  • Hard work has rewards
  • Don't take the easy path. Taking your time to build well can help you later.
  • Collaboration can save lives

Consider how the theme would change if the ending of the story changed. For example, if the wolf was invited into the brick house to share a meal with the pigs. The wolf feels better after he eats with the pigs; therefore the wolf and pigs sign a peace treaty. But, later, the reformed wolf eats the pigs. What could be the theme of this variation of the story?

Consider also how the theme would change if the narrator and point of view are changed. Have you read "The TRUE Story of the Three Little Pigs" by John Scieszka?  It tells the story from the point of view of the wolf - who claims he was framed.  If you are not familiar, you can find read-alouds of this story on YouTube. ) How does this shift in perspective affect the theme of the story?




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