Unit 4
Test Review
Theme
Theme is the meaning
behind a story- the
story’s message.
Identify Themes
1.
2.
3.
4.
The theme of a story is not stated.
The subject of a story is not the theme.
A theme is a writer’s insight about a subject.
A theme statement should not summarize a story’s
theme is a single word or phrase.
5. A short story usually has one theme.
FYI
Symbol
Symbol is a person, place,
object, or activity that
stands for something
beyond itself.
Symbol
FYI
Examples of symbols –
1. A fork in the road symbolizes an important
decision.
2. The color red symbolizes a
character’s anger at the world.
3. A rainstorm symbolizes an emotional
upheaval.
Six clues to a story’s theme
• title
• plot and conflict
• characters
• setting
• symbols
• important statements
Universal Theme
Universal themes deal with
emotions and experiences
that are common across all
time periods and cultures.
Theme
FYI
Examples of universal themes:
a. People can learn from the past.
b. Family can be a source of strength.
c. There are no winners in war.
d. Difficult choices are part of
growing up.
e. Revenge doesn’t pay.
f. Love binds people together.
Sequence of events
A story does not have to be
written in chronological
order – the sequence of
events can be altered based
on the writer’s preference.
1…2…3…4…5
5…2…1…3…4
Vocabulary
The Scarlet Ibis
• imminent – about to occur
• doggedness – persistence;
stubbornness
• reiterate – to repeat
• precariously – insecurely; in a
dangerous or unstable way
• exotic – excitingly strange
Vocabulary
Math and After Math
• dialect – a variety
of a standard language
unique to a certain region or social group
• scenario – a description of a possible course
of action or events
• intuitive – based on what seems to be true
without conscious reasoning; instinctive
• analytic – using logical reasoning or analysis
Vocabulary
Marigolds
• futile – having no useful result
• perverse – wrong; harmful
• bravado – a false show of courage or
defiance
• exuberance – condition of unrestrained
joy
• squalor – a filthy, shabby, and
wretched condition, as from poverty
Review of Poems
• Poem on Returning to Dwell in the Country:
He was once materialistic and ambitious but
has given up these entrapments (“barred
cage”/ “dusty net”). He will return to the
country and live simply.
• My Heart Leaps Up: The speaker feels joy
when he sees a rainbow (he has since
childhood). He would rather die than lose his
ability to feel joy in nature.
• The Sun: She describes the pleasure the sun
gives to those who are open to its beauty. She
asks the reader if he/she is able to enjoy
nature or is consumed by power and material
objects.
Themes
• Marigolds: Poverty limits people’s lives
and deprives them of life’s beauty.
• People can find ways to create
beauty in the ugliness of life.
• The Future in my Arms: A community
has a responsibility to raise its young
and prepare them for life.
• Two Kinds: Unrealistic expectations can
create bitterness, stifle talent and
freedom, and cause rebellion.
Themes
• Math and After Math: Gender stereotypes
lead to poor performance, which in turn
contributes to low expectations for
success.
• The Scarlet Ibis: Cruelty mixes with love
in each of us.
• Selfish pride causes more harm than
good.
• Cherish what you have, for you never
know when it will be taken from you.