Determining Theme

Which details best express the theme of the poem? My Little Dreams by Georgia Douglas Johnson I'm folding up my little dreams Within my heart tonight, [And praying I may soon forget The torture of their sight.] For [time's deft fingers] scroll my brow With fell [relentless art]—[I'm folding up my little dreams] Tonight, [within my heart.]

- And praying I may soon forget The torture of their sight. - I'm folding up my little dreams

Select the correct texts in the passage. Which details best express the theme of the poem? Success is counted sweetest by Emily Dickinson [Success is counted sweetest By those who ne'er succeed.] [To comprehend a nectar Requires sorest need.] Not one of all the Purple Host [Who took the Flag today] Can tell the definition So clear of Victory As he defeated - dying - On whose forbidden ear [The distant strains of triumph] Burst agonized and clear.

- Success is counted sweetest By those who ne'er succeed. -To comprehend a nectar Requires sorest need.

Green River by William Cullen Bryant Select ALL the correct answers. Which two statements express themes of the poem? - Humans desire control over nature. - Through the seasons, nature has many beauties. - Nature offers a place of rest for those who are weary. - People envy the tranquility of nature. - In spring, nature is at the height of its loveliness.

- Through the seasons, nature has many beauties. - Nature offers a place of rest for those who are weary.

from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott He Had His Dream by Paul Laurence Dunbar What is one difference in how both authors develop the themes of the texts? A. Dunbar uses specific details in his poem to develop the theme, whereas Alcott uses characterization and conflict. B. Alcott uses plot and conflict to develop the theme, whereas Dunbar uses specific details and characterization. C. Alcott uses specific details to develop the theme, whereas Dunbar uses conflict and figurative language. D. Dunbar uses figurative language to develop the theme, whereas Alcott uses plot and diction.

A. Dunbar uses specific details in his poem to develop the theme, whereas Alcott uses characterization and conflict.

from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott "Is she? By Jupiter, I will, if I only get the chance!" cried Laurie, sitting up with sudden energy. "I ought to be satisfied to please Grandfather, and I do try, but it's working against the grain, you see, and comes hard. He wants me to be an India merchant, as he was, and I'd rather be shot. I hate tea and silk and spices, and every sort of rubbish his old ships bring, and I don't care how soon they go to the bottom when I own them. Going to college ought to satisfy him, for if I give him four years he ought to let me off from the business. But he's set, and I've got to do just as he did, unless I break away and please myself, as my father did. If there was anyone left to stay with the old gentleman, I'd do it tomorrow." Laurie spoke excitedly, and looked ready to carry his threat into execution on the slightest provocation, for he was growing up very fast and, in spite of his indolent ways, had a young man's hatred of subjection, a young man's restless longing to try the world for himself. What theme is expressed in this passage? A. Not all dreams are successful. B. Duty to family comes with personal sacrifice. C. Kindness must come before ambition. D. Make sacrifices for the ones you love.

B. Duty to family comes with personal sacrifice.

Evening Star Edgar Allan Poe Drag the tiles to the correct boxes to complete the pairs. Match the lines in the poem with the themes they represent. There passed, as a shroud A fleecy cloud, And I turned away to thee, - [______] I gazed awhile. On her cold smile; Too cold—too cold for me— - [________] And dearer thy beam shall be; For joy to my heart Is the proud part Thou bearest in Heaven at night, - [________]

There passed, as a shroud A fleecy cloud, And I turned away to thee, - [The night is changeable] I gazed awhile. On her cold smile; Too cold—too cold for me— - [Moonlight can be uninviting] And dearer thy beam shall be; For joy to my heart Is the proud part Thou bearest in Heaven at night, - [Stars evoke wonder]

Plucking Thoughts by R. Lee Walters I found the words for Loss On a vine upon my wall. Eager for a handful To chew, I plucked A bunch but lost a few. Now regrets Are all I have for supper. Which sentence best states two themes of the passage? A. It can be hard to find the right words to say, and losing someone brings sadness and regret. B. The search for meaning begins with a word, and reading helps increase vocabulary. C. Only writers can easily find the right words, and people are born and not made writers. D. The right words help one express feelings, and looking at a vine can be inspiring.

A. It can be hard to find the right words to say, and losing someone brings sadness and regret.

Passage 1 Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy... Passage 2 Confessions by St. Augustine of Hippo... Based on these passages, which of these is a theme that these classics have in common? A. the journey from earth to heaven B. the spiritual quest of a person C. the abandonment of atheism D. the record of historical encounters

B. the spiritual quest of a person

How do authors develop a theme in a text? The authors develop a theme by using tools such as (context clues, dialogue, syntax, characterization) plot and (setting, mood, specific details, commentary).

characterization & specific details

How does the poet develop the theme? The poet develops the theme by______________

comparing hope to a bird that is free no matter the situation