Assignments
- Write three theme statements about My Antonia.
- Write three journal entries citing textual evidence your theme statements.
- Poetry connection
- Nonfiction connection
- Socratic Seminars (3)
Theme Statement Instructions
How to Write a Theme Statement
Although many people read for enjoyment and entertainment, most good fiction does more than entertain. A well-written story usually causes us think about life, increasing our understanding of the world, and giving us insight into how people think, feel and behave.
The central insight into life or human nature in a story is called the theme.
The theme is the main idea in the story. The theme may be directly stated by the author of the story. When it is, we say the theme is explicit. Usually, however the reader must discover the theme through a careful reading of the story. When the theme must be inferred from the story we say the theme is implicit.
Be careful not to confuse plot with theme. Plot is what happens in the story. Theme is an idea revealed by the events of the plot. “James Bond defuses a nuclear bomb and saves the world from destruction” is a plot summary, not a theme statement. Instead of describing what characters do, describe what their actions represent. (Theme: Human beings have the will and the means to defeat evil forces).
How to Determine the Theme
1. To discover the theme of a text, the reader must try to discover the author’s central purpose. Ask yourself, “Why did the author write this text” and, “What comment is the author making about life or human nature.”
2. In order to understand the theme you must have a good grasp of the plot and characters, especially the central conflict.
3. Titles can also provide clues as to the author’s focus and intent.
Characteristics of a Good Theme Statement
1. Theme must be expressed in a complete sentence. “Love and rejection” is not a theme statement. It is just an indication of the topic of the text. What in particular is the author saying about love and rejection?
2. Theme should describe the general meaning of a text, not specific events, actions or characters. Do not use the names of characters in the text when stating the theme. You should make specific references to the text, however, when providing relevant details and examples to support your theme statement.
3. The theme must hold true for the text as a whole, not just part of it. Pay particular attention to the text’s conclusion to make sure that the outcome matches what you think the theme is.
4. Avoid using familiar statements, or clichés, such as, ‘honesty is the best policy” to express the theme. The theme should be a generalization about life stated in your own words.
Although many people read for enjoyment and entertainment, most good fiction does more than entertain. A well-written story usually causes us think about life, increasing our understanding of the world, and giving us insight into how people think, feel and behave.
The central insight into life or human nature in a story is called the theme.
The theme is the main idea in the story. The theme may be directly stated by the author of the story. When it is, we say the theme is explicit. Usually, however the reader must discover the theme through a careful reading of the story. When the theme must be inferred from the story we say the theme is implicit.
Be careful not to confuse plot with theme. Plot is what happens in the story. Theme is an idea revealed by the events of the plot. “James Bond defuses a nuclear bomb and saves the world from destruction” is a plot summary, not a theme statement. Instead of describing what characters do, describe what their actions represent. (Theme: Human beings have the will and the means to defeat evil forces).
How to Determine the Theme
1. To discover the theme of a text, the reader must try to discover the author’s central purpose. Ask yourself, “Why did the author write this text” and, “What comment is the author making about life or human nature.”
2. In order to understand the theme you must have a good grasp of the plot and characters, especially the central conflict.
3. Titles can also provide clues as to the author’s focus and intent.
Characteristics of a Good Theme Statement
1. Theme must be expressed in a complete sentence. “Love and rejection” is not a theme statement. It is just an indication of the topic of the text. What in particular is the author saying about love and rejection?
2. Theme should describe the general meaning of a text, not specific events, actions or characters. Do not use the names of characters in the text when stating the theme. You should make specific references to the text, however, when providing relevant details and examples to support your theme statement.
3. The theme must hold true for the text as a whole, not just part of it. Pay particular attention to the text’s conclusion to make sure that the outcome matches what you think the theme is.
4. Avoid using familiar statements, or clichés, such as, ‘honesty is the best policy” to express the theme. The theme should be a generalization about life stated in your own words.
Standards for this Unit
1. Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain. [RL.11-12.1]
- Journal entries (3) supporting theme statements
- In-class essay test [ASSESSMENT]
- Journal entries (3) supporting theme statements
- In-class essay test [ASSESSMENT]
- Journal entries (3) supporting theme statements
- In-class essay test [ASSESSMENT]
- Journal entries (3) supporting theme statements
- In-class essay test [ASSESSMENT]
- In-class essay test [ASSESSMENT]
- Journal entries (3) supporting theme statements
- In-class essay test [ASSESSMENT]
- Journal entries (3) supporting theme statements
- Socratic Seminars (3)
- Socratic Seminars (3)
- Socratic Seminars (3)
- Socratic Seminars (3)
- Socratic Seminars (3)
- Journal entries (3) supporting theme statements
- In-class essay test [ASSESSMENT]
- Journal entries (3) supporting theme statements
- Socratic Seminars (3)
- Journal entries (3) supporting theme statements
- In-class essay test [ASSESSMENT]