Understanding Theme and Central Ideas

1. Understanding Theme and Central Ideas Standard and Objective: Determine two or more themes of a text.

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. 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.”

5. An example • 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.

6. With a partner… Think of a children’s story that most of us would know. Come up with a central (main) idea or theme that would apply. What is the author’s message about people? Remember, don’t use the character’s name or specific plot points. Be prepared to share.

7. Themes in 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.

8. Themes in The Crucible • Hysteria can lead to destruction and tear people apart. • Many towns people are accused at the end of act I. • Families are separated because of hangings and arrests. • Salem ends up in chaos because there is no one to take care of livestock, farms, and their children. • The town begins to talk of rebelling against the court because of this chaos.

9. With a partner… Look at the first two pages of The Crucible. Find two lines where it looks as if a character is trying to protect his or her reputation? Highlight or underline those lines on your handout. Choose one to write on the board.