Which statement best analyzes how the author develops the central idea across the two passages?

Theme is a claim of understanding. It is an opinion of an issue, which may be a message or moral, but it doesn't have to be.

Theme is not:    

•  A statement about a character in a story. 
• A lesson a specific character learns in a specific story. 
• Able to be explained in one word. 
• Always a message or moral. 
• Clearly stated in a text.

Theme is:      

• A claim of understanding conveyed by an author. 
• A statement of an idea. This idea may be a message or a moral, but it may also be an opinion. 
•  Universal. It can be conveyed through a range of texts and is relevant to most people. 
• Often a reflection on an aspect crucial to the human condition, about what it means to be human and/or interact within a society. 
• Conveyed by an author/director through a range of methods.

For example, the following are not themes:

• A theme of Unwind is control.
• A theme of Unwind is Lev's internal conflict.
• A theme of Unwind is Connor becoming a better person.

The following are themes:

• Having people who support and believe in you is essential to a good life. (Relates to issue of good life)
• Good character is when you are able to place others before yourself. (Relates to issue of good character)
• We need to chart to our path in life; we can't let others dictate our life or define who we are. (Relates to issues of power and control)

Your objective here is to be able to describe a theme and then explain how the author gets this theme across. Pick an option from the list below. To check you have completed this objective try writing an introduction and a paragraph to one of these essay questions. If you can do this you have completed the objective.

- Describe at least ONE use of language that made you think about one or more key ideas in the written text(s). Explain how the language made you think about the key idea(s) in the text(s). Note: “Use of language” might include features such as figurative language, syntax, symbolism, vocabulary, narrative point-of-view, or style.

 - Describe at least ONE idea that was worth learning about in the text(s). Explain why the idea was worth learning about in the text(s) as a whole.

- Describe at least ONE idea that was memorable in the written text(s). Explain why the idea was memorable in the text(s) as a whole.

- Describe at least ONE idea that is relevant to people in today’s society in the written text(s). Explain why the idea, as shown in the text(s), is relevant to people in today’s society.

- Describe at least ONE important idea the writer developed throughout the written text(s). Explain how this idea helped you to understand an important message for teenagers. 

Themes are developed by authors through the following ways: 

• What happens - key events.
• Characters - character qualities, character actions and how characters respond to situations may all relate to theme.
• Character development - the ways characters change, and the lessons they learn indicate themes for the reader.
• Conflict - what causes conflict and how it is resolved links to theme. 
• Relationships - the qualities which the novel shows are important for strong relationships may relate to themes. 
• Dialogue and internal character thoughts - characters may say or think something which directly relates to a theme. 
• Setting - how the society acts, the values of a society, the societies which are presented as evil and good indicate themes. 
• Setting - some settings are symbolic, which means they represent emotions, ideas and people. What is represented might relate to a theme. 
• Symbolism - symbols often relate to themes. 
• Structure - the contrast between the beginning and the end can help you understand a theme. Also, focus on the ending or climax of the story. If the hero succeeds the theme is probably positive, if they lose it is probably negative, if it is a bit in between the theme probably offers up a positive and negative view of people and society. 

• Complete a theme chart (attached below)
• Create a mind map which shows how the theme is developed. Write the theme in the centre of the mind map and each strand is one of the ways author develops theme. Then attach examples and quotes to each strand. 
• Create a prezi. I have created a template here you can copy and use: https://prezi.com/o7p1otcxgfun/theme-analysis/
• Create a powerpoint - each slide focuses on a different aspect of theme.  
• Create a comic strip, in which each panel or set of panels depicts a way in which the theme is shown.

• Complete a theme chart (attached below)
• Write a series of paragraphs. Write one paragraph for each method the author uses to develop their theme. Make sure you provide evidence in the form of specific details and quotes.

• Create a prezi. I have created a template here you can copy and use: https://prezi.com/o7p1otcxgfun/theme-analysis/
• Create a powerpoint - each slide focuses on a different aspect of theme.  

• Create a set of flash cards. Have the name of a method on one side of the card and on the reverse side of the card bullet point ways the author uses this method to develop the theme.

• Film an interview in which you (or a friend) are the author and you (or a friend) interview the author about the main theme of their novel and how they developed it. 

• Film a "book club" discussion about the book with friends in which you take turns discussing the theme, the most important way it is developed in the book, and how this theme relates to each of you on a personal level. (You should really prepare what you are going to say a little bit. Or else it will be awkward. But, also have a general discussion, too) 

• Podcast/aural recording of you discussing the theme. By yourself or with others.
• Create a prezi and then add a voice recording over it. Make the notes on the prezi quite brief as your recording is going to expand on the notes. I have created a template here you can copy and use: https://prezi.com/o7p1otcxgfun/theme-analysis/

• Film a "book club" discussion about the book with friends in which you take turns discussing the theme, the most important way it is developed in the book, and how this theme relates to each of you on a personal level. (You should really prepare what you are going to say a little bit. Or else it will be awkward. But, also have a general discussion, too)