Central Idea vs. Theme

What is central idea? CENTRAL IDEA refers to what the text is mainly about. Central Idea is also known as the main idea! Central idea is NOT the topic of the text. Central idea can most often be stated in one sentence. Central Idea and Topic can be found explicitly stated in the text. You should be able to underline them

Application Tim hated his old baseball glove. He wanted to play with a new glove, but he didn’t have any money, so he decided to steal it. But when Tim got caught stealing the glove, his parents said he couldn’t play baseball all summer. What is the topic of this paragraph? What is the central idea of this paragraph?

What is a Theme? Theme: Life lesson, meaning, moral, or message about life or human nature that is communicated by a literary work. In other words… Theme is what the story teaches readers.

Themes A theme is not a word, it is a sentence. You don’t have to agree with the theme to identify it. Examples Money can’t buy happiness. Don’t judge people based on the surface. It is better to die free than live under tyranny.

What is theme? Theme IS NOT the same as central idea. Theme IS NOT the same as topic. One story can have multiple themes. Themes are often recognizable and repeated throughout literature. Theme is implied Communicated through scenarios and their consiquences

Common Topics for Themes NOTE: The following are not themes. They are common topics or big ideas on which themes are centered. * Courage * Hope * Honesty * Hard work * Love * Acceptance * Kindness * Jealousy * Fears * Being yourself * Doing the right thing

Common Themes Be careful what you wish for. Honesty is the best policy. Crime doesn’t pay. Sacrifice leads to reward. We are all the same on the inside. Money cannot buy happiness. Love conquers all.

To determine theme, ask yourself… What did the character(s) learn? How did the character(s) grow or change? Why did the character(s) act this way?

After identifying the theme, check to see if: The theme is supported by evidence from the work itself All the author’s choices of plot, character, conflict, and tone are controlled by the theme If these standards are met, then you have successfully identified the theme!

Application Tim hated his old baseball glove. He wanted to play with a new glove, but he didn’t have any money, so he decided to steal it. But when Tim got caught stealing the glove, his parents said he couldn’t play baseball all summer. I know the theme is ________________________ because_____________________________________________________________________________

Exit Ticket Develop a short narrative about someone, who makes a choice and has to face the consequences of that choice. (*Make sure there is an identifiable theme and the central idea in your story) When you are finished, see if a partner can identify the theme and central idea of your story.