Web Dropin #2 for Jody Welin

Introduction: Theme is the most challenging element of a story to recognize. The theme is not usually stated clearly. Readers have to decide the theme for themselves based on what is happening in the story and the actions of the characters.

Assignment: Visit the following website and read the definition of theme.

http://www.learner.org/exhibits/literature/read/theme1.html

Next click on the link that leads to tips on how to find the theme of a story. Read this carefully because finding the theme of some stories may be difficult.

Activity: Now think about Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. What things happened in the story? What were the characters reactions? How did the characters react to each other?

Pick 2 themes from the following list that would apply to Where the Red Fern Grows. Then on a separate sheet of paper, write a brief statement explaining which 2 themes you have chosen and cite evidence from the text to support each.

Themes:

Sacrifice

Growing Up

Acceptance

Challenges

Prejudice

Courage

Determination

Turn your statements in to be graded.