Compare and Contrast: Themes
Basics on the topic Compare and Contrast: Themes
Let's compare and contrast themes from stories with Ari and Zayd!
Transcript Compare and Contrast: Themes
Compare and Contrast: Themes The theme is the underlying message or big idea of a story that readers learn from a character's experiences. Theme is not specific to a story; it’s a lesson that applies to everyone! Since the author doesn't explicitly tell you the theme, it's up to you as the reader to make an inference, or draw a conclusion and... often times stories will have more than one theme. We can compare and contrast characters' actions and story events to determine how they influence a story's theme. Let's compare and contrast two stories, starring Zayd and Ari. Ari has built a very special set and is ready to share it for the first time at the Builders Club Meeting. But when it was time to go, Ari started to doubt themself. "I don't know anyone and everyone is going to stare at me," Ari sighed. "I know you're scared Ari, but you never know, you might enjoy it," Ari's Dad explained. At the meeting, Ari looked around nervously. "Hi, I'm Zayd. Your builder set looks SO cool!" Ari smiled and started to feel better. They began to tell his new friend Zayd all about their builder set. After that, Ari was thankful they joined because Zayd became their best friend. Now, let's identify the THEME of this story. When identifying the theme, ask yourself: Do the characters learn anything throughout the story? (...) Here, Ari learns that being brave enough to overcome their fear of joining a new club helped them meet their best friend... so the theme, or message to the reader, is COURAGE. Let's identify the theme of another story. "Zayd, can I see your builder set?" Ari asked. Zayd looked down at his claws. "I guess, but it's not done because I can't get these pieces to work! Mine will never be as good as yours." Zayd sniffled. "Here Zayd, I can help you," Ari assured. At the next meeting, Zayd flaunted his builder set proudly. "This is my best work yet, thanks for your help Ari!" Zayd beamed. Now, ask yourself: Do the characters learn anything throughout the story? (...) Here, Zayd improved his builder set because Ari volunteered to help him... so the theme is KINDNESS. Now that we've identified each theme, let's compare and contrast them using THIS graphic organizer. First, record each theme, COURAGE and KINDNESS. Now think, how are these stories alike? (...) Both include the characters Zayd and Ari... and they both overcome a challenge. Now think, how are these stories different? (...) In the first story, Ari is nervous to join the builders club... faces their fears... and meets Zayd! In the second story, Zayd feels discouraged about his builder set... Ari offers to help... and Zayd feels better about his skills thanks to Ari's kindness. Before we see what happens next let's summarize. Remember (...) the theme is the underlying message or big idea of a story that readers learn from a character's experiences. The author won't tell you the theme, it's up to you as the reader to make an inference or draw a conclusion. We can compare and contrast characters' actions and story events to determine how they influence a story's theme. "Want to build a new room!? "Were you just reading my mind? UM, YES!"
Compare and Contrast: Themes exercise
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What is theme?
HintsThe theme is the most important or overall idea of a story.
Readers learn about theme through the character's experiences in the story.
There are 3 true choices, and 2 false choices.
SolutionTRUE
- The theme is the big idea, or underlying message of a story.
- Theme is a lesson that applies to everyone.
- Oftentimes, stories have more than one theme.
- Theme is specific to and based on only one story.
- The author will explicitly state the theme at the beginning of a story.
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Find the theme of the story.
HintsTo find the theme of the story, ask yourself, "What did the characters learn?". The answer will help you find the theme!
Stories always have an introduction, problem, and resolution. Use this to find the theme.
Ari was scared to do something in the story, but went ahead and did it anyway. What is the theme of this?Only one choice is correct.
SolutionAri learns that being brave enough to overcome the fear of joining a new club, led Ari to make a new best friend.
The theme is therefore COURAGE.
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Summarize the story.
HintsStories always have an introduction, problem, and resolution. Keep this in mind to find the progression of events.
Make sure to put the events from the story in the correct order.
Does Little Chicken ask for help first or start working first?
Read the text carefully to eliminate any choices that are not actually in the story.
SolutionThe main progression points of this story are:
- Little Chicken asks for help
- Little Chicken works hard on her own
- Little Chicken enjoys all of the bread
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Find the theme and key points.
HintsStories have an introduction, problem, and resolution. Keep this in mind to find the progression of events.
To find the theme of the story, ask yourself, "What did the characters learn?". The answer will help you find the theme!
Put the events from the story in the correct order.
SolutionThe theme of this story is:
- Don't cut corners
- The first 2 piggies build easy houses
- The wolf destroys the cheaper houses
- The brick house beats the wolf
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Identify the theme of the story.
HintsAsk yourself how the characters behave towards one another. This will help you to find the theme.
Ari helped Zayd when he was struggling with his builder set. What kind of behavior is this?
SolutionZayd improved his builder set and felt much better because Ari volunteered to help him.
Therefore, the theme of the story is KINDNESS. -
Compare and contrast two stories.
HintsGo back and re-read the stories to remember in what order the events occurred (first, middle, last).
What do both stories have in common? Consider if the characters worked together or independently.
What do both stories have in common? Consider if the characters are rewarded at the end of the story or not for their efforts.
SolutionThe progression of events for Little Chicken is:
1) Little Chicken asks for help
2) Little Chicken works hard on her own
3) Little Chicken enjoys all of the bread
The progression of events for 3 Piggies is:
1) The first 2 piggies build easy houses
2) The wolf destroys the cheaper houses
3) The brick house beats the wolf
The themes BOTH stories share are:
1) Character works hard alone
2) Character is rewarded in the end
