1. Theme: messages or insights about life.
Universal theme: timeless, appearing in many
cultures and eras.
Multiple themes: when an author explores more
than one theme in a story.
Multiple interpretations of themes: YOUR
INTERPRETATION MAY DIFFER FROM THE
MESSAGE THE AUTHOR WAS TRYING TO
CONVEY.

2. Example: A poor
but beautiful
young woman
falls in love with
a rich prince
who has been
cursed to look
like a horrible
beast. Her love
frees him from
the curse, and
the two live
happily ever
after.
Help me to provide a possible theme…

3. Possible themes:
1. Real beauty
comes from a
noble heart.
2. True loves
sees through
outward
appearances.
3. True love
heals; it frees
people from
pain.

4. Sooooo what, Ms.
Hawthorne?
How do I figure this
out?

5. Title
The title may give
you information
about a story’s
character, setting,
events, and theme.
As you read, think
about whether the
title:
-points to a
character, event, o
bject.
-suggests emotions
or ideas
-has more than
one meaning

6. SETTING
The setting is the time
and location of the action
in a story. Sometimes, the
setting can shed light on
the theme.
As you are reading, think
about the following:
-importance of the setting
to the characters and
events.
-whether the descriptions
of the setting include
words with strong
emotional associations.

7. Symbols
Any story element: an
object, person, an
animal, a place, an action
or image. Symbols often
relate directly to the
theme. As you read, look
at the following
-notice repeating story
elements with strong
emotional content.
-think about the deeper
meanings these elements
suggest.

8. Statements and Observations
Characters or the
narrator may make
statements that suggest
or even reveal the
theme. As you
read, ask:
-whether a character or
the narrator sums up
the story’s main event.
-whether a character or
the narrator makes
general observations
about a character’s
emotions.

9. Characters
Character
motivations, experie
nces, and reactions
almost always relate
to the theme. As you
read, notice:
-what you learn from
statements, behavior,
thoughts and
appearance.
-whether the
characters change
and HOW they do.
-whether the
characters learned
something and if
so, WHAT?

10. Conflict and Plot
Conflicts are
struggles that
characters face.
The conflict is
always key to the
theme. As you
read, identify:
-The problems that
characters face.
--how or if the
conflict is
resolved.
--how characters
feel about the
resolution.

11. Reading a section for the
theme is like becoming a
detective. Watch for special
clues. Notice the details and
analyze how they relate to
each other.