Finding Theme

What is theme?

● The universal message or life lesson of a story.

● Stories can have more than one theme.

● The theme is universal because it is known as

a universal truth, something that is true no
matter where you are in the world.

Explicit vs. Inferred

● As you begin to read more complex texts, the themes of

each text will need to be inferred by the reader.

● Infer-observe or conclude from evidence and reasoning

rather than explicit statements.

Inferencing

● Infer- observe or conclude

from evidence and reasoning
rather than explicit
statements.

● Practice making an inference.

● I can infer that…

Topic vs. Theme

Topic: a matter or idea
dealt with in a text.

● Family
● Growing up
● Perseverance
● Friendship

Theme: the universal message
about the topic.

●Families can come in many forms.

●Growing up is difficult, but necessary.

●Even in trying times, it is important to keep
going.

●Friendships can help people get through
some of life’s most difficult times.

Let's Practice! Watch/Read: "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein

• What Topics were presented in the story?

• What is the conflict of the story?

• How do the characters deal with the conflict?

• Are there any recurring events or symbolism?

• How does the story end?

• Does the main character learn a lesson?

• What lesson do you see?
  

Discuss with your table.

• What Topics were presented in the story?

• What is the conflict of the story?

• How do the characters deal with the conflict?

• Are there any recurring events or symbolism?

• How does the story end?

• Does the main character learn a lesson?

• What lesson do you see?
  

Writing a theme statement

● First, pick ONE of the topics presented in the story.
● Answer the question: What is the author’s message about

the topic?

● Example: Topic: Giving

○ The author is trying to say that if you give too much, people may take advantage of you.

○ Theme statement: The author is trying to say that If you give too much, people may take advantage of you.