Theme

The best definition of theme is...

• A word that summarizes the story.

• The character's main problem.

• The lesson the author is teaching.

• The main idea of the story.

A theme should be a sentence, not just one word.

• True

• False

Which of the following is NOT true about theme?

• There can only be one theme in a story.

• Theme is an idea that can be applied to life.

• The theme for one story can be applied to multiple stories.

• Authors usually tell readers the theme towards the end of a story.

The main idea will usually have the main character’s name in it but the theme will not have a character’s name in it.

• True

• False

Which of the following is the BEST example of theme?

• Cereal is the healthiest food you can eat.

• Samantha likes to play many different sports.

• Lucy rides the bus to school daily.

• Honesty is the best policy.

The main idea can be applied to many different stories but theme is specific to the story you are reading.

• True

• False

One summer's day, a merry Grasshopper was dancing, singing and playing his violin with all his heart. He saw an Ant passing by working hard to store food for the winter. “Come and sing with me instead of working so hard,” said the Grasshopper “Let’s have fun together.” “I must store food for the winter,” said the Ant,“ and I advise you to do the same.” “Don’t worry about winter, it’s still very far away,” said the Grasshopper, laughing at him. But the Ant wouldn’t listen and continued to work. When winter came, the starving Grasshopper went to the Ant’s house and humbly begged for something to eat. “If you had listened to my advice in the summer you would not now be in need,” said the Ant. “I’m afraid you will have to go without supper,” and he closed the door.

Which of the following would is the BEST possible theme for this story?

• be respectful

• share with your neighbor

• work before you play

• don't be greedy

A Dog, to whom the butcher had thrown a bone, was hurrying home with his prize as fast as he could go. As he crossed a narrow bridge, he looked down and saw his reflection in the quiet water as if in a mirror. But the greedy Dog thought he saw a real Dog carrying a bone much bigger than his own. If he had stopped to think he would have known better. But instead of thinking, he dropped his bone and sprang at the Dog in the river, only to find himself swimming for dear life to reach the shore. At last he managed to scramble out, and as he stood sadly thinking about the good bone he had lost, he realized what a foolish Dog he had been.

Which of the following would is the BEST possible theme for this story?

• Be honest.

• Be respectful to others.

• Don't be greedy.

• Always share your things with others.

In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing felt as if he would die of thirst. Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble the water rose a little higher until at last it was near enough so he could drink.

Which of the following would is the BEST possible theme for this story?

• Be persistent. (Persists mean to continue to do something in determined way.)

• Respect your family

• Always share with others.

• Be honest.

How might your understanding of theme help you understand the author’s purpose or reason for writing a story?