Analyzing a Theme

Intro; Beginning

*Interesting beginning; questions/ say imagine (without the word you), facts/statistics, line from the story.

*Name the story

*Give credit to the author, use their full name

*Give a BRIEF summary of the story( no more then 2 sentences)

*Thesis statement; state the theme of the story

Body; Middle

*Each middle sentence will explain a different stage in the development of the theme.

*The last middle sentence focuses on decisions that caused the main character to change.

~~~ con-fey or explain the message

*Uses word-for-word examples from the story to support the explanation 

Conclusion; Ending

** Analyzing the theme or message of the story

~~~~~~ show how the character(s) change

~~~~~~ predict how the theme might affect the character in the future

~~~~~~ restate the theme; state how the theme is a basic truth or message about life (for the reader)

Analyze

To break down a topic into smaller parts

To determine how the parts relate to one another

Writing Guidelines

SUBJECT: A short story

FORM: Multi-paragraph essay

PURPOSE: To analyze theme

AUDIENCE Classmates, parents, and teachers

Theme Review

GENERATING

Consider the title

How has the character changed (conflicts?)

Any symbols?

What is the author trying to reveal about human life/nature/behavior

WRITING

Start by addressing who the message is intended for(general group)

What is the message

Make sure to address to what extent or to what result (why?)

Not all-inclusive (all,every,none,etc)

The BIG Picture

Your essay starts with an introduction and thesis statements that connects the theme to a main character in the story

In the middle paragraph, you show how the theme develops through the plot, conflicts,and actions of the characters

Then ending is your final chance to comment on and explore the theme

Prewriting

Choose a story you know and enjoy

Be sure you have a clear understanding of the plot, conflicts and characters

You will new expected to trace the development of the theme through the main characters thoughts,

feelings, and actions