Theme paragraphs for “The Scarlet Ibis,” “A Sound of Thunder,” “The
Sniper,” “The Most Dangerous Game,” or “Marigolds”
Directions: Write a paragraph in which you discuss the theme in one short story.
Sample topic sentences (you may use one of these to begin your paragraph):
“The Scarlet Ibis,” by James Hurst, tells a story of sibling
relationships and the danger in pride and selfishness.
“A Sound of Thunder,” by Ray Bradbury, is a science
fiction story about time travel. Though it is hard to believe, it
does contain an important theme about each person’s
responsibility toward the planet.
In “Marigolds,” Eugenia W. Collier tells the story of a
young girl who learns the true meaning of compassion.
In “The Sniper” Liam O’Flaherty uses a suspenseful plot
to help a reader understand how civil war can tear families
apart.
“The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell tells an
unusual story of hunting in which the protagonist learns an
important lesson about his prey.
Remember to follow each topic sentence with plenty of evidence/details and
commentary/analysis that fully explain the theme. End your paragraph with closure that
ties up your ideas and refers again to the topic sentence idea.
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Topic sentence: sets up the paragraph
Concrete detail: evidence from the story
Commentary: explain how the detail sets up the theme
Concrete detail: evidence from the story
Commentary: explain how the detail sets up the theme
Concrete detail: evidence from the story
Commentary: explain how the detail sets up the theme
Closure: relate the final idea to the topic sentence