1. Clues to Theme in Literature
7th Grade Advanced Language Arts Ms. Currie

2. Title Do the words in the title prompt ideas or stir emotions?
Do the words include any “universal theme” words such as love, friendship, nature, time?

3. Conflict What is the main conflict in the story?
How does the conflict affect the characters?
What message about life might the conflict suggest?

4. Setting How does the setting affect the characters?
Could this story take place in a different setting?

5. Characters What is each character’s main problem or conflict?
Do the characters change or learn anything about life?

6. Statements and Observations
What do the characters say about themselves and each other?
Which of the narrator’s statements pertain to life or human nature?
What sentences stand out in your mind? Why?

7. Symbols What objects are important in the story?
How do characters react to particular objects, people, or words?
(Remember that a symbol literally exists within the story but also represents something else.)

8. YOU Try it
Come up with clues in each of the categories we have discussed that would fit the theme
Kindness will be rewarded.