Name:
Establishing Theme through
Characterization
The theme of a major work of literature can be revealed in several ways, one of which is through
characterization. Authors reveal larger truths by creating characters and situations (conflicts) that demonstrate
those truths.
In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author uses the major characters (Daisy, Tom, Jordan, Nick, and
Gatsby) to reveal some of the universal truths examined in the novel.
For each character in the Character Analysis Activities that we completed in class, look back at the adjectives
you used to describe that character. Pick the best adjective for each character and them in the table below. Then
write the noun form of the adjective in the right-hand column. One is completed as an example.
GATSBY is (adjective form)
Thematic idea (noun form)
DAISY is (adjective form)
Thematic idea (noun form)
NICK is (adjective form)
Thematic idea (noun form)
TOM is (adjective form)
Thematic idea (noun form)
JORDAN is (adjective form)
Thematic idea (noun form)
distrustful
distrust
USING THE THEMATIC IDEAS, WRITE THEMATIC STATEMENTS BASED ON EACH OF THE ASSERTIONS ABOVE.
Example:
In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald presents the idea that
distrust
(Write the thematic idea here.)
can cause a person to damage close relationships
(Write a claim about the thematic idea that is supported by this novel.)
which can eventually lead to a lonely existence.
(Add a qualifying clause [when, because, unless, even, so that, whether, if, etc.] to explain what the novel teaches about the thematic idea.)
In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald presents the idea that
(Write the thematic idea here.)
(Write a claim about the thematic idea that is supported by this novel.)
(Add a qualifying clause [when, because, unless, even, so that, whether, if, etc.] to explain what the novel teaches about the thematic idea.)
In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald presents the idea that
(Write the thematic idea here.)
(Write a claim about the thematic idea that is supported by this novel.)
(Add a qualifying clause [when, because, unless, even, so that, whether, if, etc.] to explain what the novel teaches about the thematic idea.)
In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald presents the idea that
(Write the thematic idea here.)
(Write a claim about the thematic idea that is supported by this novel.)
(Add a qualifying clause [when, because, unless, even, so that, whether, if, etc.] to explain what the novel teaches about the thematic idea.)
PICK THE BEST THEMATIC STATEMENT TO ADDRESS THE PROMPT BELOW. BE SURE TO CONSIDER
WHICH CHARACTER YOU WOULD MOST LIKE TO EXPLORE IN YOUR ESSAY.
Through words and actions, a character can “come to life” for the reader.
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the author draws a vivid picture of
the main characters as they each respond to conflict. In a well-developed,
multi-paragraph essay, discuss how one of the main characters reveals a
major theme from Fitzgerald’s novel. Support your claim with specific
evidence from the text.
PLANNING BODY PARAGRAPH #1
TOPIC SENTENCE:
In the story, the character of
is
(Character name)
Context of the Evidence:
.
(Adjective, character trait.)
Commentary:
Textual Evidence:
Context of the Evidence:
Commentary:
Textual Evidence:
Summary Sentence: (A sentence that concludes your paragraph and ties to the thesis.)
PLANNING BODY PARAGRAPH #2
TOPIC SENTENCE:
, however, soon finds/learns/realizes that
(Character name)
Context of the Evidence:
Commentary:
Textual Evidence:
Context of the Evidence:
.
(Qualifying clause that connects to thematic idea.)
Commentary:
Textual Evidence:
Summary Sentence: (A sentence that concludes your paragraph and ties to the thesis.)
Abstract Words for Thematic Ideas
STUDENT RESOURCE
Use the following THEMATIC IDEAS to create a thematic statement that reveals universal meaning.
As you develop your thematic statement, consider these questions:

What does the text say about
?

What is the life lesson being taught about
?

What are the author’s ideas about
?
As you read and discuss various texts, add other thematic ideas in the available space below.
THEMATIC IDEAS
alienation
appearance vs. reality
betrayal
coming of age
courage
dreams
education
escape
evil
fate
forgiveness
freedom
grief
honor
honesty
identity
journey
justice
love
loyalty
nature
perseverance
power
prejudice
pride
rebellion
relationships
religion
loneliness
beauty (inner/outer)
disloyalty
innocence (loss of)
cowardice
illusion
learning
(physical/psychological)
good (battle between)
free will
repentance
individuality (loss of)
despair
heroism
deception
(search for)
(psychological/physical)
equality
obsession
duty
(man’s relationship with)
hardship
corruption
stereotypes
hubris
conformity
family
faith
revenge
ritual
social status
success
temptation
time
violence
women
retribution
tradition
class structures
failure
sin
life stages/cycles
war
feminism