Theme for English Writings

8/11/2019 Theme for English Writings

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How do authors develop theme in a literarywork?


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Definition: The main idea or underlyingmeaningof a literary work

hemeis not the same as the subjector topicof a work

Theme differs in that it involves a statementor opinion about the topic: The subjectof a work may be war.

The themeof that work may be that war is useless.


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Theme may be statedor impliedin a work.

Themes may be majoror minor.


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Symbols Setting

Characterization: round and flat; static and

dynamic; foils Thoughts

Feelings

Dialogue

Actions

Plot


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Static vs. Dynamic: A static character does not change throughout the

course of the novel. A dynamic character undergoes a significant change

from the beginning to the end of the novel.

Flat vs. Round: A flat character has only one or two defining traits.

They are unrealistic in that they have little to nodepth to their personality; they are undeveloped.

A round character has many and even contrastingtraits. They seem like real people and are fullydeveloped.


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A character who is a foil is one whose mainpurpose in the novel is to show by contrastthe protagonists qualities. For example: Sancho Panza to Don Quixote; Laertes

and Fortinbras to Hamlet; Dr. Watson to SherlockHolmes

The word foil comes from the old practice of

backing gems with foil in order to make them shinemore brightly.


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Theme is developed by an author in thefollowing ways: Through character: themes are expressed and

emphasized by the way the author makes us feel.

By sharing the feelings of the main character, wealso share the ideas that go through his mind.


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Themes are presented through thoughts andconversations. Authors put words in theircharacters mouths only for good reasons.One of these is to develop a storys theme.

Look for thoughts that are repeatedthroughout a story.


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Themes are suggested through thecharacters. The protagonist usually illustratesthe main theme of the story. A good way toexplore this theme is to ask yourself, what

does the protagonist learn during the courseof the story? How does the protagonistchange throughout the course of the story?


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The actions or events in the story will suggesttheme. One thing authors think about is,what will this action say. In other words,how will the action express a theme or an

idea?


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Themes are suggested through the authorsuse of symbols. A symbol is an object thatrepresents both literal and figurativesignificance. For example, in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,

the albatross is a symbol of the Mariners sin andredemption.

Authors use symbols to inspire thematicconnections in the readers mind.


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How do authors develop theme? Through the feelings of the main character

Through thoughts and conversations

Through what the main character learns Through specific actions or events

Through the use of symbols


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In this class, we will be writing themestatements and using them to organize andwrite essays.

There are four qualities of a good themestatement: Expressed in a complete statement.

Debatablecontains an opinion or judgment.

Provocativethe idea should be interesting enough

to spark discussion.

Universalthe theme is applicable to life in generalor the human experience.


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Write a theme statement for the passage.Using this theme statement as a topicsentence, write two to three paragraphs thatanalyze how Hemingway presents the theme

in this passage. Use integrated quotes tosupport your claims.

Theme for English Writings

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