1. “The Scarlet Ibis”
By James Hurst

2. Literary elements: Theme
The central message in a piece of writing; what the author wants the reader to believe
Although it is usually unstated, it gives a story meaning.
Theme is not a story’s plot or the story’s subject: It is an idea.
It gives us insight into some aspect of life we have never really thought about before, or it may make us understand on an emotional level.

3. Literary elements: Theme
General guidelines for discovering theme:
We must use at least one complete sentence to state a theme, rather than just a phrase, such as “the joy of childhood.”
A theme is not the same as a moral. So ask yourself, “What does this story reveal?” rather than “What does this story teach?”
One way to determine a theme is to ask how the main character (protagonist) changes during the story.
Also, consider the story’s title. It often will hint at the meaning of the story.
A theme should not refer to specific characters or events in a story. It should be something about life or human nature that is general enough for the reader to relate to.
Theme should explain the whole story, not just a part of it.

4. Theme Practice
Think of a story you’ve read that had an impact on you. Then, use a map like the one here to help you figure out the story’s theme. Compare your map with the ones your classmates made. Did you and any of your classmates map stories with similar themes?
Title:
Topic:
How the main character changes:
How the conflict is resolved:
What the title suggests::
Theme:

5. Literary elements: Tone
The attitude the writer has towards a piece of their own writing or their audience. Just as we reveal our attitude by our tone of voice when we are speaking, so writers show their attitude (tone) by their writing style. A tone can be pessimistic, optimistic, earnest, serious, bitter, humorous, joyful, melancholy, nostalgic, etc. Tone also helps an author to establish a MOOD or feeling throughout a story, poem, etc.
Little Big Planet 2 Example
Limbo Example

6. Tone: Where Can They Stay?
About three million people have to look for a place to sleep at night. Some homeless people have jobs but do not earn nearly enough money for both food and shelter. Some become homeless because they have an unfortunate accident or lose their job. They do not have any back-up resources to make it through the hard times.
The homeless face terrible problems. Many become victims of violence. Serious health problems may begin because they are exposed to bad weather and unclean conditions. Homeless children may miss the chance to go to school. Worst of all, some cities pass laws that make it even harder on the homeless.
How would you describe the tone [attitude] of this author?

7. Showing implicit and explicit details with tone
Portrait of Dr. Gachet, Vincent Van Gogh, After the Hurricane, Winslow Homer, 1899

8. Literary elements: Symbolism
The use of a word or object to signify something else. Usually a symbol stands for both a physical object and an abstract concept.
Authors include symbolism in their stories to give the stories deeper meaning: objects, people, places, or events that stand for something broader than themselves, such as an idea or emotion.
Symbols are all around us:
Hearts symbolize love, caring.
The American flag symbolizes the United States of America.