Chapter IX

MINI LESSON

Understanding Theme

VERY IMPORTANT - Make sure you understand that theme is not "genre." A mystery, a thriller, suspense are not themes, they are genres.

Here are pictures from our Power Point in class today. You can click on them to expand their size if you want to:































































If you still feel stuck, take a look at these three links on themes here, here, and here.


Understanding Outlining

You can find in your Language Arts textbook (The Language of Literature) a definition and example of an outline on page R55 (7.6 "Making an Outline").

There are examples on page 323 and page 617.

Also, here is an example of an outline from a previous comment:

I. TOPIC SENTENCE Peanut butter and jelly are the best sandwiches.

IIA. First Point - They are nutritious
IIA1. 4ESSD - Peanut Butter has protein

IIB. Second Point - They are convenient
IIB1. 4ESSD - Stores at room temperature

IIC. Third Point - They taste great
IIC1. 4ESSD - Combination of flavors work together

III. Conclusion - PB&Js are the best thing since sliced bread.


Okay, here we go...

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ASSIGNMENTS

Vocabulary Words:

reiterate
idiosyncrasy
exonerate )-d)
perjury
heliography (-aphing)

Journal Questions:

1. STAYING INVESTED

One of the biggest challenges when reading an assigned book is staying invested in it. By invested, I mean caring about the story and being genuinely interested in what's happening to the characters.

Some people are already put off by having to read a book that they didn't choose, but go ahead and try to have an open mind about it. Then at some point they either get hooked and actually want to read the book, or they don't. If they don't it can make the remaining work very difficult.

Is it easier to be successful with a book you naturally like? Why? (one paragraph)

Can you realistically expect to like all the books you're being assigned to read? (short answer)

If you don't like the book and lose interest, what is the possible downside for you? (short answer)

Finally, what can you do to prevent that from happening? In other words, how can you get yourself back into the zone of actually being into the book? (one paragraph)


2. LOMBARD FESSES UP

Lombard has been keeping a secret from the others. What is that secret? (one paragraph)

Why do you think Lombard "comes clean" about the nature of the invitation he received to come to the island? What does he stand to gain or lose by disclosing this information? (one paragraph)


3. REFINE YOUR THEME

Yesterday you brainstormed four themes and did a rough outline. Now you've had 24 hours to let the ideas further develop. You may have talked to some friends about it, may have discussed it in class, or maybe you just finally know now what it is you're trying to say.

Revisit the previous entry in your journal. Review what a theme is again. Are you happy with your choice of theme? Do you have a brand new theme that is better? Or maybe you have the same theme, only you have it more narrowed down and more specific.

Write your theme in a single sentence like:

"The central theme for the novel And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie is..."
(one sentence)


4. REFINE YOUR OUTLINE

Take what you have learned about outlining and theme and do your outline over again, this time refining it with more clarity and precision.

Apply what you have learned.

This is the skeleton for your future on paragraph short essay, not the essay itself.
(one outline in correct format)