Introduction to
Theme
How do we define theme?
In a work of literature, theme is
the central idea or insight of the
story.
A story’s theme often conveys
the author’s perceptions about
life and/or human nature.
How do we determine theme?
 Review the events the character/s
experience.
 Generate list of thematic concepts
What are thematic concepts?
 Thematic concepts refer to general
ideas or terms without an
accompanying assertion.
 E.g. (exempli gratia, for example),
Love; Death; Coming of Age;
Journey…
 All listed above are valid concepts of
theme, but they must have a specific
assertion.
 Back to determining theme…
How do we determine theme?
 Review the events the character/s
experience.
 Generate list of thematic concepts
 Ask, “Have the characters changed or
altered in some way? If so, how?”
 Ask, “What did the character discover
or realize as a result of the story’s
events?”
 Finally, ask, “What does the story
reveal about life or human nature
through the character/s’ discoveries
or realizations?”
How do we state theme?
 A theme contains both a topic and an
assertion (statement of fact or
belief).
 Is the following a theme or topic?
 A Raisin in the Sun is about family.
 The love between family members
overcomes all obstacles in A Raisin in the
Sun.
More examples…
 Is the following a theme or topic?
 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
focuses on a magical trip through a candy
factory.
 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
discusses the danger of getting everything
you want.
Another example…
 Which of the following is a theme and
which is a topic?
 Star Wars is about one hero’s journey to
prove his worth.
 Star Wars centers around heroism.
Last example…
 Which of the following is a theme and
which is a topic?
 Tommy Boy is about Chris Farley’s journey
across the country to sell brake pads.
 Tommy Boy is about Chris Farley’s journey
to overcome his past and prove his worth.
What is the difference between
theme and moral?
 Theme ≠ moral
 Theme = topic + assertion
 Moral= lesson
 Theme answers the question, “What
does this story reveal?”
 Moral answers the question, “What
does this story teach?”
Time for some practice!
 Receive and review handout
 Listen to the story
Shhhhhhhhhh…
 Please don’t ruin the surprise for the
other classes…
Steps for determining theme
Where The Wild Things Are
 Review the events the character/s
experience.
 Generate list of thematic concepts
 Ask, “Have the characters changed or
altered in some way? If so, how?”
 Ask, “What did the character discover
or realize as a result of the story’s
events?”
 Finally, ask, “What does the story
reveal about life or human nature
through the character/s’ discoveries
or realizations?”
Homework
 Read “The Doll’s House,” by Katherine
Mansfield
 Complete worksheet: Practicing Theme
(attached)