1. Review notes for THEME
Theme – a message about life or human nature that the writer shares with the reader. Also known as the moral of the story, or a life lesson.
Stated theme – a message that is stated directly or is immediately obvious to the reader.
Implied theme – a message that is not stated and must be inferred by the reader.
Recurring theme – a theme that can be found in different texts, often of the same time period or culture.
Universal theme – a theme that is found throughout all of literature, in different cultures and in different time periods.

2. 4. Which theme best identifies this poem?
QUICK CHECK! Read the poem. Then answer the questions that follow. My heart, thinking “How beautiful he is” Is like a swift river Which though one dams it and dams it Will still break through Lady Otomo (Japan, 8th century AD) Translated by Arthur Waley
1. What is the subject of the poem? a. water and dams b. the speaker’s emotions
2. Does the writer state the theme directly or is the theme implied? a. stated b. implied
3. To what does the speaker compare the heart? a. a flowing river that cannot be stopped b. thoughts of beauty
4. Which theme best identifies this poem?
a. Love is an unstoppable emotion b. Nothing is finer than a home filled with love
c. Helping others makes life worth living d. One good turn deserves another
5. Is the theme of this poem universal or recurring? Explain a. recurring b. universal