Transcript Theme
Rockpile
If you were in Roy's place, would you have
sneaked down to the rockpile? Explain. What
would you have done if you were in John's place?
Why?
Do you think that Gabriel overreacts to Roy's
injury? Why or Why not?
What draws Roy to the Rockpile?
Whom does Gabriel blame for Roy's injury?
Whom does Elizabeth blame?
Theme
introduction
simple definition
A theme is the abstract subject or topic of
artistic representation.
For example a simple theme is: Guilt is
the theme of the story.
What are the themes of this painting?
more complex definition
In literature, a theme is a broad idea in a story, or a
message or lesson conveyed by a work. This message is
usually about life, society or human nature.
Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas
explored in a literary work.
Themes are usually implied by the author rather than
explicitly stated.
Complex themes should be written in complete
sentences.
Example) The individuals struggle with racism
Common Themes
The individual in Nature
The individual in society
An individual's relation to the
gods (religion)
Loss of innocence
Human Relations
Love and Friendship
Family
Growth and Initiation
Alienation
Finding identity
Overcoming great odds
Learning something new
Change
Having an insight (epiphany)
Work/Labor
Good vs. Evil
Justice
Death
Example
Simple themes:
Growth and Initiation
New experiences
Accepting Change
Fear (of new things)
More complex themes:
Keep an open mind.
Accept new ways and do not
be afraid of new experiences.
Accept different cultures and
races.
Mi Madre by Pat Mora
Read “Mi Madre,” a poem by Pat Mora
found at
http://www.hanksville.org/voyage/desert/De
sert6.html
From Chants by Pat Mora, Arte
Publico Press
© 1985 Pat Mora
Analysis of “Mi Madre”
Simple Themes:
Complex Themes
The relationship a woman
and nature
Strength is enduring life’s
hardships.
Nature
The quiet, steady things
endure, much like a desert
continues . . .
Nature always provides.
Themes in “The Rockpile”
Violence in Harlem
The role of the
dominant male
Traditional Family
Structure
List a complex theme in
the short story and an
example.
Resources
Mora, Pat. Chants. Houston: Arte Publico, 1985.
---. “Mi Madre.” Hanksville. 1994-2003. Web.12 Oct. 2009.
<http://www.hanksville.org/voyage/
desert/Desert6.html>
Reed, Zero. “Themes of Race in Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham.” BookStove. 11
Jul. 2007. Web. 24 Sept. 2007
“Theme.” Merriam Webster Dictionary Online. 2007. Web. Web.12 Oct. 2009.
“Theme (Literature)” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation Corp. Web. 2007. Web.
Web.12 Oct. 2009.