Identifying theme in a text is crucial to demonstrating a full understanding of any text. Important ideas to remember when identifying theme:
You Tube video of The Sneetches
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VohyMXB4FLo
The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss
- Theme is the central idea or message in a literary work. It is not the subject of the work (students often get the two definitions of theme confused). It is a perception about human life.
- Themes are rarely stated directly. They usually must be inferred.
- The theme is revealed by the way characters change in a story, conflicts in the story, and statements made by the narrator or characters.
- Understanding theme involves understanding plot, characters, and setting.
- Discuss Plot:
- Analyze cause and effect.
- Identify the main conflict and minor conflicts.
- Analyze Character Motivation:
- Note which characters are dynamic and which are static.
- Look for evidence regarding character motives.
- Evaluate the characters' personality.
- Visualize Setting:
- Evaluate what effect the setting has on the characters and on the mood of the story.
- Recognize Theme:
- Note any sentences or sections that strike your fancy.
- Observe how characters change and what they learn.
- Look at the title.
You Tube video of The Sneetches
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VohyMXB4FLo
The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss
- What are the differences between the Star-Belly Sneetches and the Plain-Belly Sneetches?
- How do these differences influence how the Star-Belly and Plain-Belly Sneetches treat each other?
- What does Sylvester McMonkey McBean offer the Plain-Belly Sneetches? What could this offering mean for them?
- Why do the Star-Belly Sneetches enjoy having the power of “being the only ones”? What does that power give them that full equality does not?
- Where does the Star-Belly Sneetches' power come from? Is this power natural or created?
- Why do you think the Star-Belly Sneetches ultimately give up their power? Do you buy the ending of this piece? Why?
- How do you know you're the same as someone else? How do you know that you're different?
- Who is this story more about – the Star-Belly Sneetches or the Plain-Belly Sneetches and why?
- Which is more important – proving that we're “all the same” at our core or gaining respect for our individual differences? Why?