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Themes 2
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00:03: Theme is the central or dominant idea of a literary work. It's the overall generalization that a reader can make about a story's meaning and significance. Be careful not to confuse theme with subject. The subject is the topic, which the author has chosen to write about, while the theme makes a statement about or expresses an opinion about that topic. For example, the subject of "Green Eggs and Ham." is that green eggs and ham are a delicious meal choice, anytime, anywhere. But the theme might be that the key to a fulfilling life, is keeping an open mind and taking chances. 00:45: Sometimes the theme is stated directly by the author, but more often, the theme is implied and must be discovered, as the reader explores the passages of the text. Recognizing the theme of a literary work is important, because it allows the reader to understand the author's purpose in writing that book or passage. To identify the theme of a story, look for clues provided by the author, such as the title, imagery, symbolism, or even dialogue between the characters. The theme of a story is often presented by the author as a common thread or a repeated idea. Each reader will typically react individually to a literary work, but it's important to base an interpretation of a story's theme on evidence from that story. Afterall, the author's goal with the theme, is to, ideally, challenge our beliefs and increase our awareness of life.
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Question 1
Do not confuse theme with a story's _____.
Responses
A subjectsubject
B endingending
C moralmoral
Question 2
Which book does the speaker use to illustrate theme?
Responses
A Green Eggs and HamGreen Eggs and Ham
B Are You My Mother?Are You My Mother?
C The Cat in the HatThe Cat in the Hat
Question 3
Theme is usually not stated directly but is instead _______.
Responses
A explicitexplicit
B implied