1. AP Literature & Composition
Understanding Theme
AP Literature & Composition

2. AP Literature
What is theme?

3. AP Literature
What is theme?
The controlling idea or central insight of the literary work.

4. AP Literature
What is theme?
The controlling idea or central insight of the literary work.
Unified generalization about life either stated or implied by the work.

5. AP Literature
What is theme?
The controlling idea or central insight of the literary work.
Unified generalization about life either stated or implied by the work.
We must ask ourselves what is the central purpose of the work…what view of life does it support…or what insight into life does it reveal?

6. Do all literary works have a theme?
AP Literature
Do all literary works have a theme?

7. Do all literary works have a theme?
AP Literature
Do all literary works have a theme? NO

8. Do all literary works have a theme?
AP Literature
Do all literary works have a theme?
Theme exists only
when the author tries to record life accurately or to reveal some truth about life.

9. Do all literary works have a theme?
AP Literature
Do all literary works have a theme?
Theme exists only
when the author tries to record life accurately or to reveal some truth about life.
when the author purposely introduces some concept or theory of life as a unifying element.

10. In literary works Purpose of the work is the Primary AP Literature
Theme
Purpose of the work
is the
Primary
In literary works

11. Theme vs. Topics AP Literature
Topics are generally one word ideas that are found in the literary work:

12. Theme vs. Topics AP Literature
Topics are generally one word ideas that are found in the literary work:
Love
Hate
Family
Risk taking
Obedience
Knowledge
security
Goodness
Evil
Trust

13. Theme vs. Moral AP Literature
A moral is usually a lesson that can be derived from a piece of literature.
Moral is usually a lesson learned from a character’s experience which is often learned at the end of the story. Morals are generally more specific in nature, less universal.
Theme is an overarching message that is communicated through the setting, characters, and actions of the work.

14. Theme vs. Motif AP Literature
A motif is a recurrent image, idea, or symbol that develops or explains the theme.
In Frankenstein, lightness and darkness was a motif. They support the theme, but are not the theme.
The weather can be a motif, but not a theme.
Colors may be a motif.

15. AP Literature
THEME – Principle 1
Should be expressed in the form of a complete sentence which includes subject and predicate.
It is not just an idea like motherhood, or racism, or war.
“Motherhood sometimes has more frustrations than rewards”
“Loyalty to country often inspires heroic self-sacrifice.”

16. THEME – Principle 2 Should be stated as a generalization about life.
AP Literature
THEME – Principle 2
Should be stated as a generalization about life.
Does not include the names of characters or precise events or setting.
“Man must be ethical and not allow himself to be blinded by ambition in scientific discovery”

17. AP Literature
THEME – Principle 3
One must be careful not to make the generalization larger than is justified by the means of the literature.
Avoid exaggerated terms like all, every, always…
More accurate terms may be some, sometimes, may, could be…

18. AP Literature
THEME – Principle 4
Theme is the unifying and central theme of a piece of literature.
It must account for all major details of the story.
It should not be contradicted by any details of the story.
The theme should not be inferred by the story, it must be rooted in fact or implied facts. The theme should be inside the story.

19. AP Literature
THEME – Principle 5
There is no ONE WAY to state the theme of a literary work.
As long as the previous conditions are met, there is any number of ways to state the theme.
Prejudice based upon appearances may corrupt those who are warm and open-hearted, making them into a monster.
The absence of love and nurturing may result in hatred and violence.

20. AP Literature
THEME – Principle 6
When stating the theme of a work, always avoid cliché.
Although a cliché may accurately state the theme, this is the lazy man’s way of avoiding thought.
If a cliché comes to mind, that should be a clue that the reader should search deeper.
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
“Love is blind.”

21. Sacrifice was made by more than just soldiers during the war.
In order to maintain tranquility and order in one’s nation, those in control of the nation must not exact war before securing peace throughout their homeland. and fight another’s without securing the perplexity of their own.
Self-sacrifice may result in a life not worth living. Death is the only escape.
Emotional stability is just as important, or more important than physical ability, and trauma sometimes taints the mind leaving it permanently scarred.

22. In Pairs
Working with a partner, explore different ideas and come up with 3 themes found in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Write each theme in a complete sentence.

24. Upcoming . . . SUMMER SCHOOL
Upcoming SUMMER SCHOOL
Wednesday, June 1 – Thursday July 7
Monday – Thursday
Work times: 8:00 – 1:00 (5 hours per day)
Class Time: 8:15 – 12:30
Will be held on HS campus
$25.00 per hour for certified teachers
Need:
Director
Algebra Teacher (2)
English Teachers (2-4)
Biology Teacher (1)
US History Teacher (1)
Credit Recovery Teacher (2)
Summer Retesting – July 11-15
Need Proctors (5)

25.
Upcoming GT TRAINING
Need to Bring HS into Compliance by start of school year
All AP/PAP/Honors Teachers
Documented 30 hours of initial training
Six hours annually of training
All Administrators & Counselors
Six hours annually – Nature & Needs of G/T
Option 1
June 6 – June 9 at Middle School
District paying for the Training
5 days completed in 4 days
Two days can be used as Flex

26.
Upcoming GT TRAINING
Option 2 (Unable to attend Option 1)
On-Line Training through Region 12
High School paying for the training
Two days can be used as Flex
Option 3 (Unable to attend Option 1)
Attend Training at Region V
High School paying for the Training
5 days completed in 5 days
Please let me know your plans
By February 29

27. Upcoming . . . ACADEMIC OLYMPIAD
Upcoming ACADEMIC OLYMPIAD
Friday, April 15, 9:00-1:00
Academic Reward for Pre-K to 12 students
Will be held at High School
Not dependent on behavior
Fun activities for students
Working on community sponsors
More information as it is available