Theme

home  =**December 3, 2008**=

**All about Theme**

 * //Theme//** is a message about life or human nature that the writer shares.


 * stated theme:** a message is stated directly or is immediately obvious to the reader.


 * implied theme**: a message that is not stated and must be inferred by the reader.


 * recurring theme**: a theme that can be found in different texts, often of the same time period or culture


 * universal theme:** a theme that is found throughout all of literature, in different cultures and in different time periods

==Do Now: First, read the " HERE'S HOW " section below. When you believe you understand the element of "Theme," scroll below and see if you're able to identify the themes for each short reading passage. Put your response after the second reading sample. ==

HERE'S HOW
Step 1: **Identify the subject**. As you read, ask yourself: What is the subject, or topic- the who and what- of this work?

Step 2: Identify stated themes. Ask yourself: Does the writer give a direct message to readers through stated opinions or judgements about the subject?

Step 3: **Identify implied themes**. For short stories and novels, ask yourself: For poems, jot down words and phrases that fit these categories:
 * Characters: What re their key traits? How do they change during the story?
 * What important statements do they make?
 * Plot and Conflict: How is the conflict resolved?
 * Title: Does the title highlight an important idea, event, or character?
 * word choice, imagery, repetition
 * metaphors and other types of figurative language
 * questions asked by the speaker
 * direct statements in which the speaker addresses the reader

Step 4: **Write a theme statement** using information from your analysis.

Step 5: **Compare and Contrast themes.** Examine the way similar themes are treated in different texts. Ask yourself:

How is the message revealed in each work? How does the message vary from work to work? Can one theme statement apply to both texts? Are the texts examples of recurring themes in a culture or by an author? Are the texts examples of universal themes throughout history?


 * EXAMPLE:**


 * //The Ant and the Chrysalis//**
 * by Aesop (Greece, 6th century BC)**

 An ant nimbly running about in the sunshine in search of food came across a Chrysalis that was very near its time of change. The Chrysalis moved it’s tail, and thus attracted the attention of the Ant, who then saw for the first time that it was alive. “Poor pitiable animal?” cried the Ant disdainfully. “What a sad fate is yours! While I can run hither and thither, at my pleasure, and, if I wish, ascend the tallest tree, you lie imprisoned here in your shell, with power only to move a joint or two of your scaly tail.” The Chrysalis heard all this, but did not try to make any reply. A few days after, when the Ant passed that way again, nothing but the shell remained. Wondering what had become of its contents, he felt himself suddenly shaded and fanned by the gorgeous wings of a beautiful Butterfly. “Behold in me,” said the Butterfly. “your much-pitched friend! Boast now of your powers to run and climb as long as you can get me to listen.” So saying, the Butterfly rose in the air, and, borne along and aloft on the summer breeze, was soon lost to the sight of the Ant forever. “APPEARANCES ARE DECEPTIVE.”


 * //Richard Cory//**

WHENEVER Richard Cory went down town, We people on the pavement looked at him: He was a gentleman from sole to crown, Clean favored, and imperially slim.

And he was always quietly arrayed, And he was always human when he talked; But still he fluttered pulses when he said, “Good-morning,” and he glittered when he walked.

And he was rich, -yes, richer than a king, - And admirable schooled in every grace: In fine, we thought that he was everything To make us wish that we were in his place.

So on we worked, and waited for the light, And went without the meat, and cursed the bread; 15 And Richard Cory, one calm summer night, Went home and put a bullet through his head.

--Edwin Arlington Robinson (American, 1869 - 1935)

Begin your responses below the line ___ Chasity- Well people always say just because you have a lot of money doesnt mean that you are happy and i think he had a lot of problems

Zach H:I think that the theme of this poem is that apearences are deceptive. Its pretty cool how one thing could seem like it has one meaning then it turns out to be a whole other thing.I, I U

Shae: Appearances are deceptive. That's the theme for both stories. I was tricked at first, but I got it afterwards ^_^. It's a really sad story, TT_TT.

Bao Kang Vang: The two stories are interesting, like what Shae said, i was tricked at first. I thought the Richard Cory was either Appearances are deceptive or it was either, I forgot, number one. Appearances are deceptive is the theme for both of the stories. It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside but it matters about the inside.

Tyler r:Like zach said i think that the theme for both stories is apperances are decpitive because no matter how much money you have its about being happy people may see you as oh hes got all the money in the world hes got to be happy but really you could be the most miserable person ever.

Jasmine:Before you told me what this meant I just thought that it was about you don't know them or put yourself in there shoes so you can't know what they've been through.