• The central idea or message of a text– View about life and how people behave– Broad idea/message about life,

society, or human nature• Usually implied (not explicitly stated)• Explores timeless and universal ideas• Differs from the subject or topic of a literary

work in that it is a statement• Subject = topic

– Example: Racism

• Theme = statement/opinion about that topic – Example: Racism is immoral.

What is Theme?

1. Character’s Actions

2. Characters’ feelings

3. What the character(s) learn

4. Thoughts and conversation

An author expresses Theme through…

• Ideas and feelings are naturally expressed through actions

• What does an action "say“?

• How does the action express an idea or theme?

1. Characters’ actions

• Emotions can be stated or implied– How does the character

feel?– How does the character

make us feel?

• What ideas do these feelings or emotions reflect?

2. Characters’ Feelings

• Main character usually illustrates the most important theme of the story

• What does the main character learn in the course of the story?

• What new knowledge or insight is gained?

3. What the character learns

• Authors put words in their character’s mouths only for good reasons.

• The things a person says are frequently on their mind.

• Look for thoughts that are repeated throughout the story.

4. Thoughts and Conversation

• The theme of a work of literature is always a statement… NOT just a word.

• What statement does the author seem to be making about people, society, government, life, etc.?

• Never a question“Is love the most important thing in life?”

^ NOT A THEME ^

“Love is the most important thing in life.”^ A THEME! ^

***Theme Statements***

Example: Romeo and Juliet

• Theme Statement: Long term unresolved conflict between families leads to disaster.

• Proof: The street fight between in the first scene

causes a riot and destruction of property.

The fight between Mercutio and Tybalt leads to their deaths.

Romeo’s banishment for killing Tybalt leads to two suicides, a murder and heart attack.

Proving the Theme Statement• Here is where plot comes in

o What examples from the story prove the theme statement?

o Use specific references and quotes from the text that prove your statement is true.

• You should resolve all conflicts.

• Great sacrifices are made in the name of love.

• Romeo killed Tybalt in revenge for Mercutio’s death.

• Poor decisions are often made impulsively.

• Blind loyalty causes foolish behavior.

Theme Statement? Yes or No

EXIT SLIP

• What is one recurring theme you see in chapter 1-5 of Huck Finn?– Remember, this should be a STATEMENT… not just

one word!