1. Theme
The Search for Meaning

2. What is a Theme?
Theme: Life lesson, meaning, moral, or message about life or human nature that is communicated by a literary work.
In other words…
Theme is what the story teaches readers.

3. Themes A theme is not a word, it is a statement/phrase.
You don’t have to agree with the theme to identify it.
Examples
Money can’t buy happiness.
Don’t judge people based on the surface.
It is better to die free than live under tyranny.

4. Identifying Themes Themes are not explicit (clearly stated).
Themes are implied.
Themes are bigger than the story.
Big World of the Theme.
Applies to the “Real” World.
Small
World
of the
Story

5. Blind loyalty causes foolish behavior
Remember that THEME IS… 1. The central idea or lesson 2. Not the same as the subject 3. Makes some revelation about the subject 4. Is universal/general 5. Almost never stated directly 6. Should not be expressed as a cliché 7. Is often expressed as a statement that includes an abstract noun
Romeo
Character
Step 1: Identify the protagonist
Conflict
Step 2: Consider the problems that he/she faced
Theme
Step 3: Determine what message about life, society, or human nature is suggested.
Romeo loved Juliet, but he couldn’t be with her because they were from feuding families.
He killed her cousin and was banned from Verona.
He thinks she’s dead, because he didn’t get Friar Lawrence’s letter.
He commits suicide. (Resolution)
Blind loyalty causes foolish behavior

6. Let’s Apply It Protagonist Conflict Resolution Theme Green Eggs
Protagonist
Conflict
Resolution
Theme
Green Eggs
and Ham
_________