Theatrical Episode Analysis Discussion

The Literary Superpower Tool of

Theme is: • Theme is the central, underlying, and controlling idea or insight of a work of literature. • Theme is the idea the writer wishes to convey about the subject--the writer’s view of the world or

revelation about human nature.

Theme is NOT: • Theme is not expressed in a single word • Theme is not the purpose of a work • Theme is not the moral • Theme is not the conflict

To ascertain theme, the reader should first understand the plot, characterization, and conflict. Use the following five steps as a guide to help you write a theme for a work. 1. Summarize the plot by writing one sentence descriptions for the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

2. Identify the subject of the work.

3. What was the insight or truth that was learned about the subject? • How did the protagonist change? • What lesson did the protagonist learn from the resolution of the conflict?

4. How did the plot present the primary insight or truth about the subject?

5. Write one or more generalized declarative sentences that state what was learned and how it was learned.

Theme litmus test Is the theme supported by evidence from the work itself? Are all the author’s choices of plot, character, conflict, and tone controlled by this theme?

IDENTIFYING A THEME IN FIVE STEPS

THEME