A universal message or truth about life You cant always get what you want

In Robert McNeils The Trouble with Television, the title states the theme of the piece: there are problems with television. Sometimes stated directly

Sometimes implied Through metaphor Through simile Through personification Through imagery Through tone of voice Through symbols

Dream Deferred What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load Or does it just explode? - Langston Hughes Implied through simile

Sleeping in the Forest by Mary Oliver I thought the earth remembered me, she took me back so tenderly, arranging her dark skirts, her pockets full of lichens and seeds. --- Implied through personification

Implied through tone of voice

Implied through symbols

Life is a yo-yo. It's a series of ups and downs. Implied through metaphors

Implied through Imagery