ENGLISH Unit 6
California in the Great Depression
4 weeks
Name: _________________________
Big Question
How do writers and directors communicate theme in their work?
Grammar Focus
Prepositional phrases
Vocabulary campaign ideology remedy propose neutral scheme infrastructure articulate controversial circumstance
Texts o Chinatown . Dir. Roman Polanski. Perf. Faye Dunaway, Jack Nicholson. Paramount
Pictures. 1974. DVD. o Steinbeck, John. Cannery Row. 1945.
Graded Assignments & Assessments
Assignment Point Value My Grade
Do Now 1/27
Do Now 2/3
Do Now 2/10
Do Now 2/18
V & G Quiz 6.1
V & G Quiz 6.2
V & G Quiz 6.3
R & D log: Cannery Row
Mini-Essay: Cannery Row
20-25
20-25
100
100
10
10
10
10
20-25

Theme in Literature
In literature, theme is the main idea or meaning of a story. It is the author’s commnet on the world, on life, or on the human condition.
Theme is NOT the same thing as subject or topic. Theme is not always obvious. For example, you could say that the subject of “The Luck of Roaring Camp” is life in a mining camp, but the theme of the story is luck or the role of luck in our lives.
Writers communicate theme through character, plot, symbol, and metaphor.
When you analyze theme, you are examining what an author is trying to say about the world.
Theme vs. Theme Statement
Example themes love nature success
Example theme statements love is bittersweet nature will always have its way success doesn’t always come to those who work hard
Movie Trailer
Divergent
Theme
Fate
Theme Statement
The Secret Life of Walter
Mitty
Life
Crazy Stupid Love Love