1. Theme \‎

2. Defined
I. In fiction, theme is identified as the “controlling idea” or “central insight” into a piece of literature. A) Unifying generalization about life B) Stated or Implied
II. Determine the central purpose of the text: A) What view of life is supported B) What insight into life is revealed

3. Analyzing Theme… Not all stories have a significant theme.
Understand the purpose of the story: A) provide suspense B) make readers laugh
Theme exits when: A) serious attempt to record life accurately or reveal some truth about it B) deliberately introduce a concept or theory of life that the story illuminates

4. Analyzing Theme
Exists in virtually all literary fiction A) as the primary purpose of the story B) is the equivalent to the revelation of human character C) is a concentrated description of who/ what is revealed

5. Articulating Theme
Stated briefly or at greater length: A) Single sentence to suffice B) Paragraph to Essay to adequately express theme
A rich text will offer several insights into life…
“The function of literary writers is not to state a theme but to vivify it” A) deliver not to intellect but to our emotions, senses, and imaginations

6. Identifying Theme
A) Explicitly stated by the author or characters in the story. B) Implicit in nature - goal is to reveal not comment on it
Authors write to bring alive some segment of human existence.
Doing so allows theme to arise naturally
Some regard theme & moral as interchangeable… Moral is often too narrow

7. Identifying Theme
Points to Ponder A) Instead of asking “What does this story teach” ask “What does this story reveal” B) In seeking the “moral of the story” we oversimplify and reduce the theme: Ex - Be kind to animals Ex - Look before you leap Ex - Crime does not pay C) Awareness and greater understanding of life - not a code of moral rules

8. Stating Theme
Stating reflects our ability to test our understanding of a story: 1. No prescribed method 2. Explore the central conflict and its outcome 3. Examine the title for clues

9. Principles of Theme I. In the form of a statement
II. Generalization about life
III. Avoid over-generalizing (every, all, always) IV. Central and Unifying concept of the story V. No one way of stating theme VI. Avoid Cliches

10. Assignment… I. Read “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty pg. 223
II. In a precise, well-developed essay, identify the theme and the characterization of Phoenix in developing the theme of the story.
III. One page - typed – 10 font (due Monday 9/30)