1. Theme-based literary essay
Writing about theme
Theme-based literary essay

3. Writing to think about a message or theme
I learned from (the character, the event) that in life it is important to . . .
Even if You should . . .
This story teaches us not only about But also about . . .
When I first read this story I thought it was just about But now that I think more deeply about it, I realize that it is really about . . .
Something that’s true in this story that’S ALSO TRUE IN THE WORLD IS . . .
(a CHARACTER) SHOWS/TEACHES/DEMONSTRATES THAT . . .

4. Teacher model
I learned from Rosaura that in life, it is important to not be too naïve about your place in society and how you are viewed.
Even if you have big dreams, you should still be realistic about what the world is really like.
This story teaches us not only about the importance of being realistic, but also about how harsh the world can be sometimes.
Something that’s true in this story that’s also true in the world is people are often confined to the social position in which they are born, and it can be very difficult to rise above your circumstances.

5. Your turn: Choose 3 of the sentence starters below and complete the sentence about your story
I learned from (the character, the event) that in life it is important to . . .
Even if You should . . .
This story teaches us not only about But also about . . .
When I first read this story I thought it was just about But now that I think more deeply about it, I realize that it is really about . . .
Something that’s true in this story that's ALSO TRUE IN THE WORLD IS . . .
(a CHARACTER) SHOWS/TEACHES/DEMONSTRATES THAT . . .

6. Glue this sheet into your Writer’s Notebook
Glue this sheet into your Writer’s Notebook. You will use it to help guide your writing of your theme-based literary essay.

7. Now you’re ready!
Look over the 3 sentences you wrote about the theme of your story, and choose the one you feel best expresses the theme.
Next, use the hand-out you glued into your notebook to guide the writing of your essay.
Your essay should be no less than four paragraphs.
Paragraph 1 – introduction
Paragraph 2 – support your claim about the theme with a specific example from the text
Paragraph 3 - support your claim about the theme with another specific example from the text
Paragraph 4 - conclusion

8. Introduction
Start with a universal statement about life (theme of your story).
Next, give the title of the story and explain that the character in the story learns or teaches us this lesson (from sentence 1).
Then briefly summarize the story – 1 or 2 sentences at the most.
End by connecting the story back to the theme

9. Body paragraph 1
Start with an example from the beginning of the story – explain what happens that begins to develop the theme. (a purse is stolen, a jacket is argued about, a homeless man in judged, sunglasses are put on, a boy tries to impress a girl)
Don’t just summarize what happens – explain what the author did to help readers begin to see the theme

10. Body paragraph 2
finish with an example from the middle and end of the story – explain what happens that reveals the theme.
Don’t just summarize what happens – explain what the author did to help readers understand what your story Was really about

11. conclusion
Remind us that an important lesson was learned in this story.
Restate the theme – try not to use the exact same wording.
Explain what you think the author wanted us to think about or consider after reading this story.
Optional: end by asking a thought-provoking question