1. Language Arts Ms. Braverman, Mrs. Levin, Mrs. Smith
Theme
Language Arts
Ms. Braverman, Mrs. Levin, Mrs. Smith

2. Theme is the crucial literary element of a story
Theme is the crucial literary element of a story. It is the message or moral of the story that the author wants you to remember. How can we best figure out the theme of a story?

3. Themes and Universal Truths
All Books, Movies, and Stories have a theme that the writer wants to portray to their audience.
Almost all stories are made up to display a UNIVERSAL truth.
Universal truths make up the theme that the author, writer, director, etc. want you take away from their story.
If you determine the universal truth of a story, it can help you figure out the theme (or vice versa).

4. Definition of Universal:
u·ni·ver·sal – adjective
1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of all or the whole: universal experience.
2. applicable everywhere or in all cases; general: a universal cure.
3. affecting, concerning, or involving all: universal laws.

5. Theme in “Eleven”
Think about the story “Eleven” you just heard. The main character Rachel has a problem, which of the following choices best describes Rachel’s problem?
A) No one remembers that it’s Rachel’s birthday.
B) Rachel’s teacher does not want Rachel to have a good birthday.
C) The red sweater is really Rachel’s, but she’s embarrassed to admit it.
D) Rachel’s birthday does not go the way that she wants it to.

6. Theme in “Eleven”
Think about the story “Eleven” you just heard. The main character Rachel has a problem, which of the following choices best describes Rachel’s problem?
A) No one remembers that it’s Rachel’s birthday.
B) Rachel’s teacher does not want Rachel to have a good birthday.
C) The red sweater is really Rachel’s, but she’s embarrassed to admit it.
D) Rachel’s birthday does not go the way that she wants it to.

7. How to broaden the main idea into the theme of the story:
Start with the problem: Rachel’s birthday does not turn out the way that she wants. Next, eliminate the character to make a general statement about the problem: Birthdays don’t always turn out the way you want them to. Finally, broaden the topic so it can apply to any situation: Things don’t always turn out the way you want them to.

8. Applying a Universal Truth
The following are some examples of universal truths that can apply to many different stories throughout history.
Responsibility; Fairness; Self-identity; Human rights; Justice.
Heroism; Reliance; Integrity; Courage;
Tolerance; Compassion; Love; Good vs. Evil, Relationships
Survival; Leadership; Aspirations; Promise-keeping; Diversity;
Heroism; Choice; Change/conflict; Self-reliance
Of the following groups of truths, which do you think best apply to our theme – things don’t always turn out the way you want?

9. Applying a Universal Truth
The following are some examples of universal truths that can apply to many different stories throughout history.
Responsibility; Fairness; Self-identity; Human rights; Justice. – This best matches our theme because Rachel has to come to terms with the fairness (or unfairness) of having a bad day on her birthday.
Heroism; Reliance; Integrity; Courage;
Tolerance; Compassion; Love; Good vs. Evil
Survival; Leadership; Aspirations; Promise-keeping; Diversity;
Heroism; Choice; Change/conflict; Self-reliance

10. Theme vs. Universal Truth
Theme vs. Universal Truth? Connect the theme with the best universal truth:
There’s no place like home.
Good things happen to those who are patient.
You can overcome any challenge if you believe in yourself.
It’s better to be yourself.
Courage
Relationships (family/friends)
Independence
Justice