7 All Roads Lead to Theme
Learning Objectives
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Understand the interconnected nature of the elements of literature.
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Cite specific textual evidence to support inferences and conclusions drawn from the text.
Chapter & Discussion
This chapter includes a presentation that can be navigated in a classroom setting or independently. You can access the presentation via the link below.
Work through the different sections of the chapter and discuss ideas and topics as they arise. If you’re working independently, take notes instead. Notes and active discussion will be helpful in navigating this week’s assignments.
Review: What is Theme?
Theme is the thing the author is trying to say.
This is the message or perspective the author seeks to communicate through this work. Ultimately, all elements of literature help authors say what they are trying to say.
Metaphor is a powerful tool that makes it possible to use the elements of literature, passages, the story arc, and literary devices to communicate themes.
This is the major working principle of literature.
Today, we’ll review all of the vocabulary and literary principles we’ve studied and note how each piece can help an author say what they’re trying to say.
Elements of Literature
These are the major working parts: setting, character, and plot.
Setting
The circumstances (like time and place) that shape the world and influence the characters’ choices.
These circumstances help the author communicate themes and often serve as metaphors for the author’s ideas.
Character
These are the people who experience the story.
They witness the author’s main ideas first-hand.
They might learn a lesson and/or come to understand the author’s perspective.
Plot
What happens. The events of the story are the consequences of characters’ choices.
These events are designed to help an author communicate ideas or share perspectives.
(Or, alternatively, the story someone has to tell is a reflection of their perspectives)
Passages
The actual written paragraphs in the story.
Descriptive
These are expository.
They give background information and help us understand setting and characters.
Setting and characters are big metaphors for the things the author is trying to say.
Action
These passages tell us what happens. They inform the plot.
The plot is a big metaphor the author is using to communicate a theme (or perspective).
Story Arc
The “steps” of a story over time.
Exposition
Background information. World-building.
The world is a metaphor for what the author is trying to say.
The better we understand it, the more we engage with the theme.
Rising Action
This establishes the stakes and raises the tension.
It helps us develop a relationship with the characters and become invested.
If we’re invested, we develop a personal relationship with the author’s message.
Climax
The breaking point. The moment where the outcome is decided.
This happens with a choice.
That choice reflects the theme and allows it to resonate.
Falling Action and Resolution
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