Unit 4 Test Review

Theme

Theme is the meaning behind a story- the story’s message.

Identify Themes

1. The theme of a story is not stated.

2. The subject of a story is not the theme.

3. A theme is a writer’s insight about a subject.

4. A theme statement should not summarize a story’s theme is a single word or phrase.

5. A short story usually has one theme.

FYI

Symbol

Symbol is a person, place, object, or activity that stands for something

beyond itself.

Symbol

Examples of symbols –

1. A fork in the road symbolizes an important decision.

2. The color red symbolizes a character’s anger at the world.

3. A rainstorm symbolizes an emotional upheaval.

FYI

Six clues to a story’s theme

• title

• plot and conflict

• characters

• setting

• symbols

• important statements

Universal Theme

Universal themes deal with emotions and experiences that are common across all time periods and cultures.

Theme

Examples of universal themes:

a. People can learn from the past.

b. Family can be a source of strength.

c. There are no winners in war.

d. Difficult choices are part of growing up.

e. Revenge doesn’t pay.

f. Love binds people together.

FYI

Sequence of events

A story does not have to be written in chronological order – the sequence of

events can be altered based on the writer’s preference.

1…2…3…4…5

5…2…1…3…4

VocabularyThe Scarlet Ibis

• imminent – about to occur

• doggedness – persistence; stubbornness

• reiterate – to repeat

• precariously – insecurely; in a dangerous or unstable way

• exotic – excitingly strange

VocabularyMath and After Math

• dialect – a variety of a standard language unique to a certain region or social group

• scenario – a description of a possible course of action or events

• intuitive – based on what seems to be true without conscious reasoning; instinctive

• analytic – using logical reasoning or analysis

VocabularyMarigolds

• futile – having no useful result

• perverse – wrong; harmful

• bravado – a false show of courage or defiance

• exuberance – condition of unrestrained joy

• squalor – a filthy, shabby, and wretched condition, as from poverty

Review of Poems• Poem on Returning to Dwell in the Country:

He was once materialistic and ambitious but has given up these entrapments (“barred cage”/ “dusty net”). He will return to the country and live simply.

• My Heart Leaps Up: The speaker feels joy

when he sees a rainbow (he has since childhood). He would rather die than lose his ability to feel joy in nature.

• The Sun: She describes the pleasure the sun gives to those who are open to its beauty. She asks the reader if he/she is able to enjoy nature or is consumed by power and material objects.

Themes

• Marigolds: Poverty limits people’s lives and deprives them of life’s beauty.

• People can find ways to create beauty in the ugliness of life.

• The Future in my Arms: A community has a responsibility to raise its young and prepare them for life.

• Two Kinds: Unrealistic expectations can create bitterness, stifle talent and freedom, and cause rebellion.

Themes• Math and After Math: Gender stereotypes lead to poor performance, which in turn contributes to low expectations for success.

• The Scarlet Ibis: Cruelty mixes with love in each of us.

• Selfish pride causes more harm than good.

• Cherish what you have, for you never know when it will be taken from you.