1. Theme vs. Moral

2. Universal truth A message Abstract idea Central idea
What is a theme?
Universal truth
A message
Abstract idea
Central idea

3. The message revealed in a story
What is a moral?
The message revealed in a story
A value of life
A lesson to be learned

4. Theme vs. Moral Theme Moral Sum up the book’s message in a word or two
Look for repeating symbols and words
Theme can appear in the setting, characters, action
Usually not directly stated
Leaves a lot to the reader’s own conclusions.
Usually appears at the end of a fable
Can be a sentence
Can be directly stated
Can be implied
Claims an opinion about the THEME.

5. Examples of theme Isolation Death Love conquers all Loss of innocence
Fear of failure
Will to survive
Renewal/rebirth

6. Examples of a moral Slow and steady wins the race.
Be happy with what you have.
Think twice before you act.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Clothes do not make the man.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Be prepared.
Pride goes before a fall.

7. Now a Test… Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Friendship
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Honesty
Sensitivity and Purity of Spirit.

8. The Little Mermaid

9. Cars

10. Twitter Instructions:
Together, in your groups, read The Emperor’s New Clothes.
INDIVIDUALLY write down what you think the Main Idea or THEME of the story might be on your SHOWME app.
As a group, compose a one sentence summary of the story and TWEET HASHTAG the one word main idea that your group came up with!