Theme definition:

A theme is the universal message or truth about life that an author expresses through a work of literature.
o It is written as an idea statement, not a theme topic
 Express an opinion about humanity, or a life-lesson or moral
 Original, not obvious or cliché
o It uses abstract words to make universal generalizations about the human conditions
o It is supported through the analysis of plot, conflict, character, writing style, and literary device
Category
3-- Complete understanding
2—emerging understanding
1--Basic or below basic understanding
Statement is:
 A single sentence
 An original
opinion about life
or the human
condition, can be
a moral or lifelesson
Statement is:
 A single sentence
 Expresses an idea
that may be
obvious or cliché,
lacks original
opinion
Statement:
 May not be a single
sentence
 May be a theme
topic only
 No ideas about topic
are expressed
Accuracy of
interpretation
Statement reflects:
 Deep and
accurate reading
of the text
Statement reflects:
 Cursory or shallow
understanding
 Can be refuted by
text
Statement reflects:
 Lack of basic
comprehension of
topics or ideas
within the text
Universal
generalization
or truth
about life
Statement:
 Uses abstract
vocabulary
 Goes beyond the
literary elements
of the text
 Makes
generalization
about life or
human experience
Statement:
 Uses abstract
vocabulary
 May not generalize
beyond the literary
elements of the
text
Statement:
 Uses concrete
vocabulary
 May not generalize
 May not move
beyond the
elements of the
literary piece
Support
Support:
 Accurately quotes
and/or
paraphrases
specific text
 Referenced text
fully explains
connection to
theme statement
Support:
 Quotes and/or
paraphrases may
not be fully
accurate
 May not connect
fully to theme
statement
Support:
 Quotes and/or
paraphrases are
either not provided
or may not connect
to or support theme
statement
Idea
Statement
Theme is the main idea, or abstract concept an author explores in a piece of literature about the universal human
condition, human nature, or human motivation. In the words of T.S. Eliot, “it is both timeless and timely.” It is
universal—an idea all people can relate to, regardless of culture or language.
Theme topics: categories can intersect.
o
o
Good vs. Evil
Relationships
 Love and hate
 Family
 Friendship
 God or gods
o Coming of age
 Loss of innocence
 Change from adolescence to
adulthood
o Human spirit
 Fight for freedom and equality
 Noble sacrifice
 Rise above circumstances
 Perseverance
 Duty
 Loyalty
 Patriotism
o Great Journey
 Self-discovery
 Quest
o Mystery
o Big Trick
 Loss of control
o
o
o
o
Man’s inhumanity to man
 War
 Great battles
 Social/political injustice
 Jealousy, Hatred, Betrayal,
Revenge
 Strong prey upon weak
Redemption
 Epiphany
 Sacrifice for the greater good
Alienation
 Fall from grace—protagonist in
good circumstances
experiences lowering of
circumstances
 Government thought control
 Fish out of water
 Rejection of individual by
society; or vice versa
Mortality
 Death, loss, grief
 Capriciousness of fate
Theme can often be discovered by examining conflict or tension.
o
Conflict topics
o Man vs. man
o Man vs. self
o Man vs. nature
o Man vs. supernatural
o Man vs. society
o Civilization vs. law of the jungle
Theme should be expressed in a sentence explaining what the author wants to communicate about the theme topic.
Sometimes it is a moral of the story, but more often it is a statement about the reality of human life, not a statement
about the way people should behave.
 People can easily become disenchanted with their values.
 Pride and prejudice can blind people to the goodness in others.
 Technology such as television can make people stop thinking and analyzing.
Arrogance
Forgiveness
Perseverance
Avarice
Freedom
Pride
Belief
Friendship
Punishment
Brutality
Fright
Rejection
Communication
Generosity
Religion
Control
Gratitude
Respect
Corruption
Hate
Reverence
Courage
Health
Sacrifice
Cowardice
Heresy
Self-esteem
Crime
Honesty
Self-reliance
Cruelty
Honor
Shame
Defiance
Hope
Society
Despair
Horror
Strength
Discipline
Hostility
Stupidity
Discrimination
Humility
Tradition
Disease
Illness
Truth
Disgust
Injustice
Unity
Dishonesty
Integrity
Values
Disobedience
Intelligence
Vice
Division
Justice
Virtue
Education
Kindness
War
Enemies
Learning
Equality
Loneliness
Exhaustion
Love
Family
Loyalty
Fear
Manipulation
Forbearance
Mercy
Force of nature
Patience