Understanding Themes

What is a theme?

• A character in a story

• The setting of a story

• The life lesson learned

• The plot of a story

What question can help identify a theme?

• Who is the main character?

• What is the story teaching?

• Where does the story take place?

• When does the story happen?

What is a theme not?

• A complete sentence

• The subject

• A lesson

• A conflict

What does it mean when a theme is described as a "universal truth"?

• It is true for some people

• It is true for all

• It is true for animals

• It is true for one culture

A theme is often considered a statement about what?

• The plot

• Society or human nature

• The setting

• The characters

Which of the following best describes a theme?

• A character's name

• The underlying meaning of the story

• The time period of the story

• The location of the story

Why is a theme considered a universal truth?

• Because it is only true in the story

• Because it is true for all people

• Because it is true for the main character

• Because it is true for the author

What is NOT an example of a theme?

• Love conquers all

• The importance of family

• The main character's name

• Good vs. evil

What does a theme help the reader understand?

• The author's favorite color

• The underlying message of the story

• The number of pages in the book

• The price of the book

What is the purpose of a theme in a story?

• To describe the setting

• To convey a universal truth

• To list the characters

• To explain the plot