1. Bring a copy of Stargirl by this Friday!
September 24, theme
Homework:
Story elements test on Monday, September 29th!
Bring a copy of Stargirl by this Friday!
Objective
I can differentiate between topic and theme in a piece of literature.
Warm Up:
Look up the definitions of the word theme in the
red glossary section of your Lit book. Copy the definition into your notes.

2. theme
A message about life or human nature that the writer shares with the reader.
usually has to be inferred
the important truth that the story is really about
written in a complete sentence, not just a word

3. What's the difference?
topic
theme

4. Model: Theme in a story Read the excerpt from
The Dog and His Reflection and answer the Close Read questions.

5. Model: Theme in a story
1. Explain how the dog loses the steak he stole from the butcher.
2. What lesson can readers learn from the dog's failed plan to get another steak when he already had one? State the theme of this fable in a sentence.

6. Model: Theme in a poem Read the excerpt from
The Stray Cat and answer the Close Read questions.

7. Model: Theme in a poem
1. Notice the way the cat is described. Would most people consider this cat beautiful? Explain.
2. Reread the boxed lines. Choose the statement that best expresses this poem's theme.
A. Beauty is something that everyone can agree on.
B. Different people have different ideas about what is beautiful.

8. Clues to theme

9. Turn in your Literature book to pg. 321
You will read Gombei
and the Wild Ducks
independently and then
answer questions 1-6 in
your notes.

10. 1. Which character does the title suggest is important to the story
1. Which character does the title suggest is important to the story? As you read, look for details that show what this character is like and how he changes.

11. 2. Reread the boxed text. What impression do you have of Gombei
2. Reread the boxed text. What impression do you have of Gombei? Explain whether you see any problems with this plan.

12. 3. What happens to Gombei as a result of his actions?

13. 4. In lines 69-70, Gombei returns to a familiar setting - a marsh - but there is nothing familiar about the situation he's in. What conflict do you think he's about to have?

14. 5. Examine the boxed text. What does Gombei realize about himself and his plan? Explain what has caused the change of attitude.

15. 6. Think about the lesson that Gombei has learned
6. Think about the lesson that Gombei has learned. Choose a topic from the list below and write a statement that expresses a theme or central idea of the story. Explain whether the theme is directly stated or implied.
freedom
treatment of others
understanding others' problems

16. So now you will work in pairs to come up with 2 sentences relating to a topic that is often seen in literature. With your partner, come up with 2 good sentences that could be a possible theme relating to this topic.

17. equality

18. friendship

19. jealousy

20. anger

21. cooperation

22. bravery

23. self control

24. kindness

25. hope

26. hard work

27. differences

28. loyalty

29. lonliness

30. being yourself