How to figure out theme: ccRL2 1. Finish the text. 2. create a list of "topics" like love, hate, sacrifice, struggle to survive - Select topics that jumped out at you from the story. 3. Pick one of your topics. 4. Write a sentence about what you believe the author believes about that topic. "The author believes that all people are basically good." 5. Cross out the words: The author believes that 6. Now revise your sentence: The theme is that all people are basically good because they chose to do what was right. Themes in literature:
What lesson is the author trying to teach? What life lessons does the character learn? What lessons do you as the reader learn? (Theme is not a summary of the story or the plot of a story.)
acceptance of others - diversity These stories have characters that accept and respect the differences and beliefs of others.
overcoming adversity These characters learn that if they work hard, and do not give up they can overcome the adversity in their lives.
man struggles against nature These characters are usually stranded on some island, or in the mountains far away from any help and they have to learn to survive using only their wits. They must learn to find food and to protect themselves from the outside elements. These characters keep trying and never give up even when things do not work out at first.
man struggles to understand divinity or spirituality
These characters are usually on a quest to find the meaning of life. They often question if “God” is real or not.
man struggles against societal pressure These characters are usually at odds with the beliefs of the people around them. They usually have to come to terms with their core values. Should they take the life of another without question? Should they stand back and watch the mistreatment of other human beings? Do they fight for what they belief is the right thing to do or do they just go along with the crowd? These characters must learn to find their inner courage.
the importance of family These characters strive to uphold the values of their families; they understand that the “family is everything”. These characters care for and help those family members who are suffering.
sacrifice brings rewards These characters learn that if they work hard enough, and sacrifice their immediate needs, rewards will follow.
crime does not pay These characters learn that in the end, crime does not pay.
human beings all have the same needs These characters learn that no matter how different people appear to be at first, they all have the same needs; the need to be accepted, the need to be loved, the need to be valued etc…
friendship is dependent on sacrifice These characters learn that often times being a true friend means they have to sacrifice. Sometimes this means to give up other friends; or this can mean to put aside their own needs for their friend’s needs.
love is the worthiest of pursuits These characters learn that love is worth everything, and it often means going after no matter what gets in the way.
honesty is the best policy These stories have characters that learn that it is best to tell the truth, even if those they love or care about will be hurt.
Death is Part of the life cycle These characters learn that no matter how hard they love someone, or something, eventually they have to say goodbye. Sometimes a friend dies, a dog, a relative or just someone in the story. What follows after or before the death is a succession of events that leads to self discovery.
life is just hard and you fight or give up don't give up and eventually (hopefully) the character comes out on top feeling pretty good about life itself, and glad that they worked so hard. There are many more themes in literature (stories).