Grade 9 Literature Theme

Main Idea, Idea, Theme Main idea=topic sentence of a paragraph or a summary of what happens in a story Idea=there are several ideas in a story or that you might have. When you try to prove your idea, it is called an assertion or thesis Theme=an idea that is repeated over and over in a story through the characters, plot, symbolism etc.

Theme The idea(s) turn up over and over in the story Comments on values, morals, society, how people are acting or behaving Stated in 1 or 2 words, not a sentence, phrase or cliché saying Not literal…it is a big idea that can be interpreted in many ways but is supported in many ways by the story Can be traced back to all the story elements, especially character, plot, actions, symbolism

Writing About theme-Paragraph 1 1. Sentence #1-must contain the title of the work, the author, and your assertion (thesis) 2. The word “theme” should show up in your thesis or in your topic sentence #1 3. Sentence #2-3 should elaborate on the thesis a bit more so we have a clear idea of what your essay is about

Example-Paragraph 1 In Shirley Jackson’s short fiction piece, “The Lottery”, the idea of hypocrisy is seen throughout the story. This theme is evident by the tradition of the lottery itself as well as the characters’ actions.

Writing About Theme-Body 1. Topic sentence—it should include the word theme in it and give commentary about it (c0mmentary means-analysis) 2. The following sentence should have concrete details to prove your topic sentence. This means you give 2-3 very specific examples from the text. The examples can be quotes, phrases, or paraphrasing. 3. After the concrete details, you need to show why or how this connects or has meaning 4. Repeat these steps until you cover all your points in the intro/thesis

Example Paragraph #2 The theme of hypocrisy is often attached to the idea of religion. Although there are several religious allusions in “The Lottery”, Jackson is not trying to criticize Christianity or religion but rather any type of tradition that no longer has value—especially if people are not sure why they are keeping the tradition. Mr. Adams questions the traditions of the lottery and Mr. Summers says the others are “crazy fools,” “there’s always been a lottery,” and that it would be “nothing but trouble.” By Mr. Adams receiving such comments and the fact the tradition results in death is one way these towns people are hypocritical. They keep the tradition alive yet they are creating nothing but trouble in determining who dies. They discuss living a great life in their village, but in the same breath they are taking a life and innocence away.

Putting it together So Far… In Shirley Jackson’s short fiction piece, “The Lottery”, the idea of hypocrisy is seen throughout the story. This theme is evident by the tradition of the lottery itself as well as the characters’ actions. The theme of hypocrisy is often attached to the idea of religion. Although there are several religious allusions in “The Lottery”, Jackson is not trying to criticize Christianity or religion but rather any type of tradition that no longer has value—especially if people are not sure why they are keeping the tradition. Mr. Adams questions the traditions of the lottery and Mr. Summers says the others are “crazy fools,” “there’s always been a lottery,” and that it would be “nothing but trouble.” By Mr. Adams receiving such comments and the fact the tradition results in death is one way these towns people are hypocritical. They keep the tradition alive yet they are creating nothing but trouble in determining who dies. They discuss living a great life in their village compared to the other villages, but in the same breath they are taking a life and innocence away. The characters are particularly hypocritical. In fact, Mrs. Hutchinson’s best friend, Mrs. Delacroix, is one of the first to casually discuss the lottery and yet she is the first to pick up a rock to kill her friend…(I repeat the same process for my next point to prove my thesis)

Writing About Theme-Conclusion In 1-2 sentences bring your essay to a close Do not use the transition words “In conclusion”. If you have been thorough in your commentary, concrete details, and analysis, then your ideas will more naturally conclude for the audience rather than being abrupt.

Example Conclusion As a result, the lottery and the characters’ actions are clearly hypocritical. Jackson’s use of such a tradition and these everyday characters demonstrates how hypocritical we are in society and is cautioning her readers to questions those ideas set in stone.

Putting It All Together…Essay Final In Shirley Jackson’s short fiction piece, “The Lottery”, the idea of hypocrisy is seen throughout the story. This theme is evident by the tradition of the lottery itself as well as the characters’ actions. The theme of hypocrisy is often attached to the idea of religion. Although there are several religious allusions in “The Lottery”, Jackson is not trying to criticize Christianity or religion but rather any type of tradition that no longer has value—especially if people are not sure why they are keeping the tradition. Mr. Adams questions the traditions of the lottery and Mr. Summers says the others are “crazy fools,” “there’s always been a lottery,” and that it would be “nothing but trouble.” By Mr. Adams receiving such comments and the fact the tradition results in death is one way these towns people are hypocritical. They keep the tradition alive yet they are creating nothing but trouble in determining who dies. They discuss living a great life in their village compared to the other villages, but in the same breath they are taking a life and innocence away. The characters are particularly hypocritical. In fact, Mrs. Hutchinson’s best friend, Mrs. Delacroix, is one of the first to casually discuss the lottery and yet she is the first to pick up a rock to kill her friend…(I repeat the same process for my next point to prove my thesis: commentary, concrete details, and analysis/commentary/connections) As a result, the lottery and the characters’ actions are clearly hypocritical. Jackson’s use of such a tradition and these everyday characters demonstrates how hypocritical we are in society and is cautioning her readers to questions those ideas set in stone.