Theme Literature

Read the following sentence.

Friendship helps people get through hard times.

The sentence above is an example of a

• plot.

• character.

• main idea.

• theme.

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

• evaluating how a character has changed.

• paying attention to what the character has learned.

• determining how the conflict was resolved.

• ALL of the above

A theme in literature

• mentions characters.

• mentions plot events.

• is a universal concept.

How does a reader identify the theme in MOST stories?

• It is stated directly in the text.

• A character tells you.

• The reader must understand what the character has learned and infer the theme.

• Books or movies do not have themes.

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

• Fear is more dangerous than any beast.

• A brave young girl pretends to be a man and takes her father's place in the army.

• a fear of heights.

• "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too."

Which of the following is an example of theme?

• Cinderella was thoughtful and kind.

• Jack risked his life to save Jane.

• Don't judge people by outward appearances.

• Happiness

If the topic is kindness, which of the following is a good theme statement?

• Don't cry over spilled milk.

• Treat others the way you want to be treated.

• When fear is present, wisdom cannot be.

• Face your fears.

A story can have more than one theme.

• True

• False

Read the following passage from a story. As Tai strummed the guitar, Charlesa looked at her with pride. For so long, Tai's fingers had clumsily tripped over the strings, but now she played the song with ease. Getting to this point hadn't been easy for Charlesa, either. She sighed, trying to bury the memories of all the screaming tantrums Tai had thrown. Once, she nearly threw her guitar against a wall. But now when Tai smiled, and the tune of "Sweet Home Alabama" floated out of the instrument, Charlesa smiled, too. It had been worth it. Which of the following is most likely a theme of the story?

• Playing a musical instrument is too much work.

• Hard work can bring great rewards.

• Friends shouldn't try to teach each other new things.

• It's OK to give up on yourself.

One way you could figure out the theme is to...

• skim through the story.

• just read the beginning of the story.

• think about what the character has learned.

• read the ending of the story.