Theme

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Defined

I. In fiction, theme is identified as the “controlling idea” or “central insight” into a piece of literature.A) Unifying generalization about lifeB) Stated or Implied

II. Determine the central purpose of the text:A) What view of life is supportedB) What insight into life is revealed

• Not all stories have a significant theme.

• Understand the purpose of the story:A) provide suspenseB) make readers laugh

• Theme exits when:A) serious attempt to record life accurately or reveal some truth about itB) deliberately introduce a concept or theory of life that the story illuminates

Analyzing Theme…

Analyzing Theme

• Exists in virtually all literary fictionA) as the primary purpose of the storyB) is the equivalent to the revelation of human characterC) is a concentrated description of who/ what is revealed

Articulating Theme•Stated briefly or at greater length:A) Single sentence to sufficeB) 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

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

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 payC) Awareness and greater understanding of life - not a code of moral rules

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

Principles of Theme

I. In the form of a statementII. Generalization about lifeIII. Avoid over-generalizing (every, all, always)IV. Central and Unifying concept of the storyV. No one way of stating themeVI. Avoid Cliches

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)