Theme & Theme Statements

What is theme?

• message about life that the author expresses

• the time, location, and mood of a story

• sequence of events

• the main events

Answer explanation

The theme is the underlying message about life that the author expresses through the story. It reflects the deeper meaning and insights, unlike the setting or sequence of events.

Which of the following could be a theme of a story?

• A 35-year-old woman named Essie and her brother.

• A small apartment in Marfa, Texas.

• Telling the truth may cause you pain, but in the end, it's better than lying.

• Essie lied to her brother about her identity for two years, but she finally decided to tell him the truth.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights a theme about the consequences of honesty versus deceit, which is a central idea in storytelling. The other options describe characters or settings but do not convey a thematic message.

Unlike the topic of literature, a theme ...

• can be expressed in one word

• always shows the setting

• is always stated directly in the text

• cannot be just one word

Answer explanation

A theme encompasses the underlying message or insight of a work, which typically requires more than one word to convey its complexity. In contrast, a topic can often be summarized in a single word.

You can often infer the theme of a piece of literature by ...

• evaluating how a character has changed

• sharing a character's experience

• determining how the conflict has resolved

• ALL of the above

Answer explanation

You can infer the theme by evaluating character changes, sharing experiences, and understanding conflict resolution. Each aspect provides insight into the underlying messages, making 'ALL of the above' the correct choice.

Which of the following statements about theme is TRUE?

• Authors NEVER use the same theme twice

• Themes only repeat in short stories

• All poems have the same theme

• The same themes can occur in different stories/different authors

Answer explanation

The correct statement is that the same themes can occur in different stories by different authors. Themes are universal and can be explored in various contexts, making them a common thread in literature.

A theme should be supported by ...

• your own words

• evidence from the text

• rationale/reasoning

• ALL of the above

Answer explanation

A theme should be supported by your own words, evidence from the text, and rationale/reasoning. Therefore, the correct answer is ALL of the above, as each component strengthens the understanding of the theme.

What is the theme of this story?

• Don't be lazy.

• Turtles are faster than rabbits.

• Our friends are always there for us.

• It is better to take your time and do it right then to rush and fail.

Answer explanation

The story emphasizes the importance of patience and thoroughness. The correct theme, 'It is better to take your time and do it right than to rush and fail,' highlights that careful effort leads to success, contrasting with hasty actions.

What is the theme of this story?

• Slowly but surely wins the race.

• Don't be lazy.

• We are stronger together than we are apart.

• If you try to go on your own, you will get eaten by a big fish.

Answer explanation

The correct theme, 'We are stronger together than we are apart,' emphasizes the importance of collaboration and unity, suggesting that working together leads to better outcomes than going solo.

• Wear the clothes our parents choose for school pictures.
• Stand by your friends no matter what.
• Don't worry about what others think of you.
• Stand up for yourself.

• Kids should not ask for things their parents cannot afford.
• Appreciate what you have.
• Kids should save their own money if they want something.
• Kids shouldn't interrupt parents when they are talking privately.