Finding the theme in a story or reading passage can be tricky.
A theme is presented indirectly which means we must make an inference based on the information we’re presented with throughout a story.
The author could tell a story, and at some point insert a line that says:
“The theme of this story is ____________.”
Or:
“___________ is the life lesson I’m writing about.”
But what’s the fun in that?
Find the Theme
To identify the theme of a story, you have to examine what the characters do and say. Then, think beyond those details to the bigger picture.
Think about what a theme could be saying or teaching us about life.
Identifying the theme in a story can not only help us understand the story better, but it can also help us better understand ourselves.
Common themes presented by authors include:
- Courage
- Equality
- Acceptance
- Friendship
- Hard work
- Love
Finding the Theme Takes Practice.
Check out this video and see what you can learn about finding a theme in what you read (or watch – movies have themes too!).
(Video by Mike Bitanga)