Transcript Understanding Theme

Understanding Theme
Literary Types
LAP 1: Short Stories
Theme
 Theme is a central idea in a literary
work. Also, think of theme as the
author’s message.
 In traditional literature, such as the
fable or fairy tale, the theme is the
moral of the story.
Elements of Theme
 Sometimes, the theme can be found in
the symbolism of a work of literature.
 A symbol is anything that stands for
or represents both itself and
something else.
 This might be a conventional symbol, an
object which many people have
associations, such as a flag, a star, or a
particular color identified with a mood, as
green is identified with envy and black is
identified with death.
Types of Themes
 Most works of fiction do not directly
state the theme. When the theme is
presented directly, it is called a stated
theme.
 An implied theme leaves the reader to
draw conclusions about the theme
and requires the reader to make
inferences, or guesses, about the
author’s intent and perception of the
events in the story.
Literary Devices
 A literary device is a use of language
that is intended to have an effect on
its audience.
 Irony is the difference between
appearance and reality.
 Irony of a situation occurs when an
event happens that violates the
expectations of the characters, the
reader, or the audience.
Questions (continued)
 How does de Maupassant describe Mathilde
Loisel? How does this affect your opinion of
her? Do you know anyone like her? What are
they like?
 What was her motivation in buying a fine dress
and borrowing what she thought was an
expensive piece of jewelry? Why do you think
she had such a good time at the ball?
 Describe what happened after she lost the
necklace—up to when she met Madame
Forestier ten years later. What was her
motivation in replacing the necklace? What does
this say about her? Explain Mathilde Loisel’s
attitude toward honesty.
“The Necklace”
 Answer the following literature
questions with your group:
 Look at the list of themes in your lit.
packet. What do you think is the central
theme in “The Necklace”?
 What is a symbol in the story and what is
it symbolizing?
 Is irony used? How?