Theme
What is theme
the universal message found in a literary text
What is characterization?
the way an author presents characters.
Define symbolism
Something that means more than what it actually is
These are the most important characters in the story
Major characters
Themes should be:
universal, debatable & short statements
When a character is described directly by the author
Direct characterization
what animal symbolizes peace?
a dove
Their actions help drive the story forward but they are not the most important characters.
minor characters
What is the difference between theme and main idea?
Theme is the message found in the story. Main Idea is what the story is about.
“The old man was thin and gaunt with deep wrinkles in the back of his neck. The brown blotches of the benevolent skin cancer the sun brings from its reflection on the tropic sea were on his cheek … Everything about him was old except his eyes and they were the same color as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated.”
Direct characterization
What part of a day is used to symbolize death/destruction?
night
Characters who do not change throughout the story
Static
Themes are stated in one word, true or false?
False
when a character's traits are revealed by action, speech, and other methods.
Indirect characterization
Who wears all black and is generally evil in Star Wars
Darth Vader
Opposite of a round character; usually only have one or two main traits
Flat
Themes are specific to the topic of the text, true or false?
Betsy Ross made her living as a seamstress, and had many customers. She sewed many things, including clothes, blankets, and curtains. Each day, she would start with a pile of cloth and create things people paid her to make for them. Everyone knew she would do a wonderful job, so they came to her home and asked her to make many items for them. Business was so good, and as she began to get very busy, Betsy hired me to help.
Indirect Characterization
What animal symbolizes courage?
These characters change throughout the story. They may learn a lesson, become bad, or change in complex ways.
Dynamic