A few notes on Theme…

1. A few notes on Theme… English II Pre-IB

2. What is Theme? • The central idea or meaning of a story • Provides a unifying point around which the plot, characters, setting, point of view, symbols, and other elements of a story are organized

3. How do I find it? • Distinguish between the theme of a story and its subject. They are not equivalents • Subjects: fate, death, innocence, youth, loneliness, racial prejudice, disillusionment • Each story makes its own statement about the subject and expresses some view of life • Example: The brutal experiences of war can alienate a person from those—even family and friends00who are innocent of war’s reality • Example: No matter how much one might love one’s father, there comes a time when family loyalties must be left behind in order to be true to one’s self.

4. More strategies… • Pay attention to the title of the story • Often leads to a major symbol or subject around which the theme develops • Look for details in the story • Re-read if necessary • Decide whether the protagonist changes or develops some important insight as a result of the action

5. More strategies… • When you formulate the theme of the story in your own words write it down in one or two complete sentences that make some point about the subject matter • Revenge vs. Instead of providing satisfaction, revenge defeats the best in one’s self • Be certain your expression of theme is a generalized statement rather than a specific description of particular people, places, and indents in the story • Be wary of using clichés