1. Aristotle’s Six Elements of Drama
Theme

2. Thought/Theme/Ideas What the play means as opposed to what happens
Could be clearly stated in the title
May be stated in the dialogue as the playwright speaking through the characters
May only emerge after study or thought- “The abstract issues and feelings that grow out of the dramatic action”

3. What is Theme? The theme of a fable is its “moral”
The theme of a parable is its “teaching”
The theme of a piece of fiction is its view on life and how people behave
Not intended to “teach” or “preach”
Not presented directly at all
Extracted from the characters, action, and plot

4. Finding the theme Title Repeating patterns and symbols
What allusions are made throughout?
What are the details and particulars, what greater meaning might they have?
Theme, plot, and structure are inseparable

5. ASSIGNMENT
We are going to watch a short movie clip. In at least one paragraph, describe the theme of clip and how you determined what it was. If there is more than one, describe them all. Due at the end of class.