1. THEME

2. What do you think of when you hear the word, THEME?
Theme Parks
(Walt Disney World, Bush Gardens)
Theme Parties
(Costume, Retirement)
Theme Restaurants
(Japanese, Chuck E. Cheese)
Literary Themes
(Love Conquers All, Injustice Must Be Fought)

3. What is a literary THEME?
A MAIN OR CENTRAL IDEA OF A LITERARY WORK
THE AUTHOR’S MESSAGE TO THE READER
AN IDEA OR LESSON ABOUT LIFE REVEALED IN A PIECE OF LITERATURE

4. THEME or TOPIC? Make the most of a bad situation. Love. I am hungry.
Judging by appearances is unfair.
Yoga mat.
Always be polite.

5. How can you identify a THEME in literature?
Look for...
A DIRECTLY STATED MESSAGE
(FROM THE AUTHOR OR WHAT IS SAID BY A CHARACTER OR THE NARRATOR)
THE MAJOR CONFLICTS THE CHARACTERS FACE
(WHAT ARE THE STRUGGLES?)
WHAT THE CHARACTERS LEARN AND HOW THEY CHANGE
(RESULTS OF STRUGGLES)
WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED ABOUT PEOPLE OR LIFE IN GENERAL

6. Elements of THEME in “Cemetery Path”
How do you know
Ivan is fearful?
How does fear hold Ivan back?