Theme

What do all of these movies have in common?

Theme What is theme? What is theme? A unifying or dominant idea in a work of art (literature, poetry, music, movies, plays, etc.) A unifying or dominant idea in a work of art (literature, poetry, music, movies, plays, etc.) Theme is usually as short as a phrase or even one word. (Vengeance) Theme is usually as short as a phrase or even one word. (Vengeance)

Theme Themes are rarely stated directly. They usually must be inferred. Themes are rarely stated directly. They usually must be inferred. The theme is revealed by the way characters change in a story, conflicts in the story, and statements made by the narrator or characters. The theme is revealed by the way characters change in a story, conflicts in the story, and statements made by the narrator or characters.

Theme Understanding theme involves understanding plot, characters, and setting. Understanding theme involves understanding plot, characters, and setting.

Understanding theme Discuss the plot: Discuss the plot: What’s going on in the play? What’s going on in the play? Cause and effect? Cause and effect?

Understanding Theme Character motivation: Character motivation: Which characters are dynamic? Static? Which characters are dynamic? Static? What motivates these characters? What motivates these characters? What are their personalities? What are their personalities?

Understanding theme Visualize the setting Visualize the setting What effect does the setting have on the characters and the mood of the story? What effect does the setting have on the characters and the mood of the story? Mood is how the audience feels while reading. Mood is how the audience feels while reading.

Understanding theme Recognize the themes Recognize the themes Note any sentences or sections that strike your fancy. Note any sentences or sections that strike your fancy. Observe how characters change and what they learn. Observe how characters change and what they learn.

Theme From this close reading of our book, what do you think that some of the themes are? From this close reading of our book, what do you think that some of the themes are?

Theme Guilt Guilt Peer Pressure Peer Pressure Dishonesty Dishonesty Intolerance Intolerance Reputation Reputation Hysteria Hysteria Forgiveness Forgiveness Good vs. Evil Good vs. Evil Religion Religion Justice Justice Jealousy Jealousy The Supernatural The Supernatural Individuality vs. conformity Individuality vs. conformity

As a class Explain how the idea of guilt runs through the play. Explain how the idea of guilt runs through the play. Who is guilty? And of what? Who is guilty? And of what? How does their guilt motivate their actions? How does their guilt motivate their actions? Examples from the text? Examples from the text? Who isn’t guilty and how does that effect the story? Who isn’t guilty and how does that effect the story?

By yourself On your own, fill out the worksheet on theme. It explores 5 main themes: On your own, fill out the worksheet on theme. It explores 5 main themes: Guilt Guilt Dishonesty Dishonesty Peer Pressure Peer Pressure Intolerance Intolerance Reputation Reputation