1. Theme We Still Believe: Chapter 4

2. California Standards Standard 1.3 Use word meanings within the appropriate context, and show ability to verify those meanings by definition, restatement, example, comparison, or contrast. Standard 2.3 (Grade 6 Review) Connect and clarify main ideas by identifying their relationships to other sources and related topics. Standard 3.5 Identify and analyze recurring themes (e.g., good versus evil) across traditional and contemporary works.

3. Academic Vocabulary: Theme Chapter 4 theme (p. 210): deeper meaning in a story that goes beyond the characters and events and that can be applied to other situations recurring (p. 211): happening again

4. Theme: The theme of a piece of fiction is its central idea. It usually contains some insight into the human condition. In most stories, the theme can be expressed in a single sentence. In longer works of fiction, the central theme is often accompanied by a number of lesser, related themes, or there may be two or more central themes. Themes should be stated as a generalization. EX: Discrimination can make people feel like outsiders

5. Identify Themes Title: What does the title suggest or imply? Characters: How did the characters change as the story unfolded? What did they discover that had meaning for the reader? Big moments: What were the important events and turning points in the story? If those moments were left out, how would the story be different? Resolution: How were the conflicts or problems resolved? Does that give you any idea of what the story means? Does it suggest a theme?

6. Symbolism: A symbol represents an idea, quality, or concept larger than itself. A Journey can symbolize life. Black can represent evil or death. Water may represent a new beginning. A lion could be a symbol of courage.

7. Works Cited information abstracted from: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. “ We Still Believe,” Holt Literature and Language Arts: Second Course. Austin, Texas. 2003. 210- 211.