Lesson 1 Writing

 

Quotations and Theme Activity

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Kentucky Valley

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Reading for Theme


Theme is the meaning of the piece of literature or poetry. Not to be mistaken as a mere subject or moral lesson, theme is the most abstract if not sophisticated aspect of literary analysis. A discussion of theme must rely on the way in which literary techniques and elements work together to reveal a larger truth. Themes often involve ambiguities about the nature of the human experience and do not easily fit into one sentence truisms.

Need more information on theme? Click here: Reading for Theme

Assignment: Part I

Directions:  As you read The Bean Trees keep track of passages you feel are significant and relevant to the theme of the novel. 

Record five (5) quotations from The Bean Trees (any sentences from the novel) that you believe are significant.  Record the quotation, MLA parenthetical citation, and why you believe it’s important.  Then, develop a theme statement that relates to your chosen quotation.    Keep in mind, you will need passages for later assessments of theme and final critique.

Note:  include passages that appear related. For now, in developing a theme statement,  include a statement of what each quote suggests about the nature of human experience...we can revise later.

Click link for some example quotation and theme responses.



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