Step Five: Identifying Themes
Themes in books are often the hardest part of any book or movie analysis because rarely, if ever, is it explicitly stated anywhere. Instead it is imbedded into the text. On the plus side there are lots of clues along the way to help you identify them. Start by answering the questions below and then use the graphic organiser to help you build on your ideas:
1. What problem or issue is introduced at the beginning of the book? This does not mean the event 'the characters country was invaded'. Rather that 'when the character's country was invaded they had to face adult problems and concerns'. 2. What happens during the middle of the book? How is this problem progressed? what struggles do the characters face? The characters in the book have to deal with issues such as 'is violence ever ok?' They have to determine these things for themselves individually. 3. How is this problem resolved at the end of the novel? What is the outcome? For Ellie there is acceptance that the answers are dependent on the situation and a discovery of strength. |
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