1. ELA6R1d EQ: How do I determine a story’s theme?

2. THEME
The message or lesson about life that the author wants YOU, as the reader, to walk away with.
Theme provides a unifying point for all of the story’s elements.
Sometimes the theme requires careful examination
The theme is not the subject of the story.
The theme is not always cut and dry.

3. Three Steps for Finding THEME
Find the “big ideas” or general topics in the work.
Find out what the characters do and say that relates to the general topics.
Come up with a statement of the author’s point or message about the topic.

4. Common Topics for THEMES
Courage
Hate
Nature
Success
Death
Hope
Patience
Trust
Faith
Identity
Patriotism
Truth
Family
Independence
Prejudice
Unhappiness
Freedom
Justice
Race relations
Violence
Friendship
love
Self improvement
war
Childhood
Growing up
Loyalty
Self-reliance

5. Try It Out
Once upon a time there was a large mountain called Tai-Ying which sat between Old Man Yu and the nearest village. Every day, Old Man Yu had to walk many extra miles in order to circle around Tai-Ying, and finally he decided to simply move the mountain out of his way.
Old Man Yu called together his children and grandchildren. “I am giong to move Tai-Ying.”
The family cheered.
The youngest stood and asked where the mountain could be moved.
Old Man Yu thought for a second. “I will dump it in the sea.”
Again the famly cheered and promised to help make his dream a reality.
Now, as everyone knows, it is no small matter to move a mountain, and this mountain was no exception. After a year, only a tiny portion of Tai-Ying had been carted to the sea.
A shopkeeper in the village laughed at Old Man Yu. “Your dream is foolish. You are old, and Tai-Ying is monstrous.”
Old Man Yu shook his head and smiled. “You are right, but your vision is short. I have children who have children who will bear more children. As time goes on, I get stronger and the mountain grows weaker. Tai- Ying will be moved.”
And so it was.

6. Try It Out What is the theme of this story?
A. It is best to quit when someone says your dream is foolish.
B. Do not make a mountain out of a molehill.
C. Persistence can wear down even a large obstacle.
D. Old men can do things that young men cannot.

7. Try It Out What is the theme of this story?
A. It is best to quit when someone says your dream is foolish.
B. Do not make a mountain out of a molehill.
C. Persistence can wear down even a large obstacle.
D. Old men can do things that young men cannot.