Analysis of Theme
Independent Novel Study Final Assignment
Tasks
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Choose one of the major themes from your novel.
Create an accurate, clear and insightful theme statement.
Write an entry analyzing and defending your theme statement with support from
the novel.
Create a visual representation of your theme, using symbolism.
Written Analysis
Creating a theme statement:
Theme statement – a universal truth about life and/or society that is not particular
to one text.
Formula for writing a theme statement = topic + judgment about the topic
Example: War tears brothers apart. (War is the topic; tears brothers apart is the
judgment)
Theme Statement Pitfalls
Is it a cliché?
Example: Some things are better left unsaid.
Revised: Speaking hastily can lead to dire and lasting consequences.
Is it a command?
Example: Don’t judge a book by its cover. (Note: this is also a cliché)
Revised: Quick judgments lead to poor understanding.
Is it too particular?
Example: The man in Lawrence’s poem realizes that a fleeting encounter with a tiny
butterfly can be profound.
Revised: A fleeting encounter with nature can have a transforming effect.
Writing your analysis:
Begin with an introductory paragraph that introduces the novel and states the theme.
Then write paragraphs that include information about each of the following:
Explain how the title connects to the theme.
Explain how the author uses character development to develop the theme.
Explain how the author uses plot events to develop the theme.
Explain how the author uses setting and mood OR symbolism and imagery to develop the
theme.
Support how the theme is universal by explaining its relevance to your own life – make
connections to it.
Throughout your written piece, incorporate at least 5 quotations from the novel that
support your thematic analysis. Try to incorporate them smoothly into your writing.
Analysis of Theme
Independent Novel Study Final Assignment
Visual Representation
To go with your written analysis, create a visual representation of the theme.
This representation should not be too literal, but instead should be symbolic of the theme.
Consider how to use things like: images, colours, textures, sound etc.
Make sure to include a paragraph explanation with the visual – explain how it symbolically
represents your theme.
Suggestions for a visual representation:
Graph
Sketch
Map
Collage
Diorama
Sculpture
Painting
Video
Build your own
Grading
The grading for this assignment will be broken down into two different categories and will be
represented as two separate assignments on PowerSchool.
Each Criterion will be graded out of a possible 4 marks:
4 – Outstanding, 3 – Strong, 2 – Adequate, 1 – Needs Work, 0 – Not Evident
Mark
Criteria & Explanation
Demonstration of Reading & Writing
Critical Evaluation of the Information – after reading the novel, you have been able to
articulate an accurate and insightful theme statement that is clearly evident in the novel;
your theme statement is original, clear and universal.
Demonstration of your understanding of novel – your analysis shows a close reading and
clear understanding of the novel and all of its elements, making clear, direct connections
and reference to text.
Ability to Describe, Discuss and Evaluate key elements – you have successfully tied key
elements of the novel (title, character development, plot, setting, mood, symbolism, etc.)
to your theme statement, with thorough explanation.
Ability to Respond Personally and Make Connections to the novel – you have been able
to show how the theme in the novel is universal by explaining its relevance in your own
life and that of others.
Ability to Articulate and Justify points of view about texts – you have effectively
incorporated evidence from the novel to support and justify your theme statement;
minimum of 5 quotes have been used and incorporated effectively.
Interpretation of the text – your written response and visual representation show a clear
interpretation of the novel and its theme; you have been successful in tying all the major
components together to make meaning.
Reading & Writing Skills Total /24
Analysis of Theme
Independent Novel Study Final Assignment
Mark
Criteria & Explanation
Representing (Writing & Visual Representation)
Ability to Explore, Extend & Reflect meaning – your writing and representation are clear,
demonstrate an exploration of a major theme in the novel, and are reflective of the
meaning you have made through your reading.
Demonstration of Complexity of Thought & Structure – both pieces are logically
organized in a meaningful way, and demonstrate a level of complex thought through your
development and exploration of theme, giving consideration to all aspects of your novel.
Good Selection of Form, Style & Content (Written Analysis) – your written analysis ties
all of your ideas together fluidly with clear writing, specific word choices, and sentence
fluency; all of your ideas are clearly linked and well explained.
Good Selection of Form, Style & Content (Visual) – your visual representation is clear and
well presented – there is evidence of thoughtfulness, preparation and execution; evident
consideration of form, style, colours, content, etc. and all items work well together.
Integration of information – successful and fluid use of effective quotes to support your
ideas, they are integrated smoothly in with your own thoughts and ideas, and explained in
sufficient detail; elements from the novel are evident in your visual representation.
Effective use of Language Conventions – your written work is clearly written, making use
of proper language conventions: spelling, punctuation, grammar and usage, so that your
ideas are accurately and clearly portrayed in a coherent manner.
Effective Use of Symbolic Representation – your visual representation symbolically
represents your theme – it avoids being too literal and instead shows a complex level of
thought, understanding and execution.
Representation Total
/28
Analysis of Theme
Independent Novel Study Final Assignment
Wide range of ideas to get you started on writing your Theme Statement
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Beauty of simplicity
Capitalism – effect
on the individual
Change of power necessity
Change versus
tradition
Chaos and order
Character –
destruction, building
up
Circle of life
Coming of age
Communication –
verbal and nonverbal
Companionship as
salvation
Convention and
rebellion
Dangers of ignorance
Darkness and light
Death – inevitable or
tragedy
Desire to escape
Destruction of beauty
Disillusionment and
dreams
Displacement
Empowerment
Emptiness of
attaining false dream
Everlasting love
Evils of racism
Facing darkness
Facing reality
Fading beauty
Faith versus doubt
Family – blessing or
curse
Fate and free will
Fear of failure
Female roles
Fulfillment
Good versus bad
Greed as downfall
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Growing up – pain or
pleasure
Hazards of passing
judgment
Heartbreak of
betrayal
Heroism – real and
perceived
Hierarchy in nature
Identity crisis
Illusion of power
Immortality
Individual versus
society
Inner versus outer
strength
Injustice
Isolation
Isolationism hazards
Knowledge versus
ignorance
Loneliness as
destructive force
Losing hope
Loss of innocence
Lost honor
Lost love
Love and sacrifice
Man against nature
Manipulation
Materialism as
downfall
Motherhood
Names – power and
significance
Nationalism –
complications
Nature as beauty
Necessity of work
Oppression of
women
Optimism – power or
folly
Overcoming – fear,
weakness, vice
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Patriotism – positive
side or complications
Power and corruption
Power of silence
Power of tradition
Power of wealth
Power of words
Pride and downfall
Progress – real or
illusion
Quest for discovery
Quest for power
Rebirth
Reunion
Role of men
Role of Religion –
virtue or hypocrisy
Role of women
Self – inner and outer
Self-awareness
Self-preservation
Self-reliance
Social mobility
Technology in
society – good or bad
Temporary nature of
physical beauty
Temptation and
destruction
Totalitarianism
Vanity as downfall
Vulnerability of the
meek
Vulnerability of the
strong
War – glory,
necessity, pain,
tragedy
Will to survive
Wisdom of
experience
Working class
struggles
Youth and beauty