Understanding Theme

1. Understanding Theme Standard and Objective: Determine two or more themes of a text and analyze their development.

2. The Concept of theme How often have you seen a film, only to be asked, “What's it about?” Your answer will probably take the form of a summary of the plot or story. However, you might also have answered in a few concise words, like: “It's about the supernatural” or “It looks at how false people are today.” These last two sentences are to do with the theme of the film.

3. Think • Think of movie that you’ve seen recently or know well. • Write down what you think the movie was about, not the plot, but the point that was trying to be made.

4. Understanding Theme Standard and Objective: Determine two or more themes of a text and analyze their development.

5. Definition of theme • A central idea about a topic and/or a statement the author is making through the story and the characters. • The theme is NOT the one word at the top of the paragraph in Spark Notes, it’s in the explanation that occurs below. • Here’s an example: On the sparknotes.com, it has “Hysteria” listed as the HEADING for the theme. The actual theme comes in the first line of the paragraph: “Another critical theme in The Crucible is the role that hysteria can play in tearing apart a community.”

6. Some Examples • The House on Mango Street • Theme: Language has power • There is a constant reference to people in the novel who have difficulty with the language barrier. • Those who are not fluent in English are often considered at the bottom of the social ladder. • On the other hand, writing and literacy are illustrated as a way to get out poverty.

7. Some Examples • Romeo and Juliet • Theme: Love can be the source of violence and destruction • Several times the two lovers threaten to kill themselves because of the turmoil this love is causing. • There is constant foreshadowing as to the ultimate demise of the two. • In Romeo and Juliet’s view, the only way they can be together is through suicide.

8. Some Examples • Catcher in the Rye • Theme: Past traumatic events can lead to self-destructive behavior • Holden Caufiled is clearly disturbed and troubled throughout the novel as a result of his younger brother’s death. • He is constantly being kicked out schools. • He has a negative attitude toward many people (including his parents).

9. Other Titles • The Crucible: • Theme: Reputation is everything • Reverend Parris only strives to protect his name when he finds out the girls have been dancing in the woods and performing witchcraft. • Judge Danforth refuses to stop the hangings because he fears it will make him look as if the trials were a mistake, thus affecting his reputation. • John Proctor hesitates going to Salem because he fears having to expose his affair with Abigail. • John Proctor chooses to be hanged than to soil his good name.

10. With a partner. . . • Keeping The Crucible in mind, think of examples that might support this theme: • Hysteria and intolerance leads to destruction

11. With a partner. . . • Think of a theme for The Scarlet Letter • Now, think of some evidence from the novel that can support that theme.

12. On your own… • On a piece of paper, write down an idea for a theme for The Scarlet Letter as well as two examples from the novel that support that theme.

13. Theme Wrap-up • Remember, that a theme is a statement the author is making, and they’re using their characters, plot, and setting to do it. • A theme is a statement, not a just a word. The word that on Spark Notes IS JUST A HEADING. The actual theme comes in the form of the explanation below.

14. Homework for Tonight • Read the next chapter of The Scarlet Letter. • Research and re-word one theme that demonstrates your understanding of a thematic statement. • Provide two examples from your reading that support your theme. • Be prepared to discuss that theme with others in class.