Understand the Meaning of Theme

Read these examples: Jacob commits a crime but he does it because he has to provide for his family. Sometimes doing the right thing can mean breaking the rules. Crime and punishment Which example would be a more complex theme and why?

2, because it helps the reader understand the story's deeper meaning

According to the article "Five Stars for Literary Critics", what is one role that a literacy critic fulfills?

A consumer advocate, who gives the reader information about a new book

According to the article "Five Stars for Literary Critics," what is one role that a literary critic fulfills?

A journalist, who discusses a new book and why it matters

How is a moral different from a theme?

A moral is a simple lesson learned, while a theme is a more complex idea that has to be interpreted.

What is the difference between a moral and a theme?

A moral is easily identifiable, while a theme is harder to interpret by the reader.

Which statement about theme is true?

A piece of literature can have more than one theme.

According to the article "Five Stars for Literary Critics", what is one role that a literacy critic fulfills?

A social commentator, who explains what a book says about people in general

Which element can help you identify the theme of a story?

An important idea or refrain

Read these examples: A: Love B: Corin and Hamid fell in love in their high school algebra class. C: Love can bring out the best and the worst in people. Which example would be a more complex theme and why?

C: because it leads the reader to a deeper understanding of the story

Read these examples: A: Love. B: Corin and Hamid fell in love in their high school algebra class. C: Love can bring out the best and the worst in people. Which example would be a more complex theme and why?

C: because it leads to a deeper understanding of a story

Which statement about theme is true?

Different readers might see different themes in the same story.

Which statement is an example of a moral?

Don't judge a book by its cover.

Read this passage: Complete opposites, Mila and Corrine thought they had nothing in common until they were paired together for a class assignment. As they worked on the project, they realized that they shared similar interests and enjoyed each other's company. After the project ended, they remained friends. Which sentence best states the complex theme of the passage?

Don't judge a person before you get to know them.

Read this passage: Trey is afraid of heights and his fear has stopped him from completing the zip line portion of the obstacle course. After failing to do it all week, he finally decides to go for it. Even though he is still afraid, he jumps off of the platform and flies through the air. As his friends congratulate him, he smiles with pride. Which sentence best states the complex theme of the passage?

Face your fears and you can defeat them.

Which is an example of a literary theme?

Family always comes first

According to "Five Stars for Literary Critics," what previous work influenced James Joyce's novel Ulysses?

Hamlet

Which statement is an example of a moral?

Honesty is always the best policy.

Which statement is an example of a moral?

It's better to be safe than sorry.

What aspect of a story can give a literary critic clues about a story's complex theme?

Its specific details

Which is an example of a literary theme?

Love Conquers All

According to "Five Stars for Literary Critics," whose work does the novel Brave New World reference?

Shakespeare

What can literary critics look at in order to find the more complex theme of a story?

Specific details

According to "Five Stars for Literary Critics," what previous work influenced Shakespeare's Hamlet?

The Odyssey

Which is an example of a literary theme?

The brutality of war

Which element can help you identify the theme of a story?

The motivation of the main character

Which element helps you identify the theme of a story?

The relationships the main character has with other characters

What helps a literary critic determine a story's complex theme?

The specific details within the story

How do themes and morals differ?

The theme must be interpreted by the reader, while the moral is easily identifiable.

Which statement about themes is true?

Theme is a complex idea that is not specific to a single story.

Read this passage: Chaz and Michael used to be best friends but had grown apart when they started high school. Chaz, a good-looking baseball player, was accepted into the popular group, while Michael, a shy "bookworm," kept quiet and tried not to draw attention to himself. After a party, Chaz gets into trouble and is abandoned by his new friends. Michael agrees to help him, even though they haven't spoken in a long time. Which sentence best states the complex theme of the passage?

True friends will always be there for you.