Determine the themes of short stories
key notes :
What is a Theme?
- The theme is the main message, lesson, or big idea the author wants to share.
- It is usually not stated directly—you have to infer it by thinking about the story.
Common Themes in Stories
- Friendship
- Courage
- Kindness
- Honesty
- Perseverance
- Growing up
- Good vs. evil
- Family
- Helping others
Clues to Find the Theme
- Title of the story: Often gives a hint.
- Characters: What do they learn or experience?
- Setting: Can help you understand the mood or problem.
- Plot: What happens, and how is the conflict solved?
- Ending: What was the final message?
Ask Yourself Questions
- What lesson did the character learn?
- What message is the author trying to tell us?
- How did the character change?
- What big idea repeats in the story?
Difference Between Theme and Main Idea
- Main Idea = What the story is mostly about (specific to the story).
- Theme = A universal message that can apply to many stories or real life.
Supporting the Theme with Evidence
- Use examples from the story (character actions, events, or quotes) to explain your theme.
Multiple Themes Possible
- A story can have more than one theme. Choose the one best supported by the story.
Learn with an example
Read the following story.
The Ride Home
As the school bus chugged away, Spiro walked slowly up the quiet street. His neighbour, Dominic, stopped to wait for him.
‘Hey, Spiro. How was your first week?’
Awful, Spiro thought, staring ahead. ‘It was okay. I’m pretty tired,’ he said. He wanted to say that he missed his old home and his old friends.
‘Really? Are you sick or something?’ asked Dominic.
‘Yeah, actually. I think the bus is making me sick. I used to ride my bike to school,’ said Spiro.
‘Oh. Did you know there’s a bike trail two streets over?’ asked Dominic.
‘Really?’
‘Yeah. It’s like fifty kilometres long. I’ve biked the whole thing a few times. Maybe if you feel better later, I can show you.’
Spiro really just wanted to sleep the afternoon away, but Dominic seemed friendly. ‘Sure,’ Spiro said. ‘Can I stop by around five?’
‘Perfect,’ Dominic said. ‘See you then!’ He went inside his house.
At his own home, Spiro found his bike in the garage among all the boxes of unpacked stuff. His bike reminded him that just a few weeks ago he’d been riding around his old neighbourhood with his old friends.
At five o’clock, Spiro went next door. Dominic was already outside with another boy and a girl when Spiro arrived. Dominic introduced them and said that they wanted to go for a ride, too.
As he pedalled alongside the others, the wind in his face, Spiro realised that he was feeling okay for the first time since moving.
Which of the following best describes the main theme or lesson of the story?
- It’s better to let go of the past.
- Be open to new friendships.
Think about the events in the story and make an inference:
Spiro overcomes his bad mood by seizing an opportunity to make a new friend.
Apply to the wider world to find a theme:
Be open to new friendships.
Read the following story.
The Ride Home
As the school bus chugged away, Spiro walked slowly up the quiet street. His neighbour, Dominic, stopped to wait for him.
‘Hey, Spiro. How was your first week?’
Awful, Spiro thought, staring ahead. ‘It was okay. I’m pretty tired,’ he said. He wanted to say that he missed his old home and his old friends.
‘Really? Are you sick or something?’ asked Dominic.
‘Yeah, actually. I think the bus is making me sick. I used to ride my bike to school,’ said Spiro.
‘Oh. Did you know there’s a bike trail two streets over?’ asked Dominic.
‘Really?’
‘Yeah. It’s like fifty kilometres long. I’ve biked the whole thing a few times. Maybe if you feel better later, I can show you.’
Spiro really just wanted to sleep the afternoon away, but Dominic seemed friendly. ‘Sure,’ Spiro said. ‘Can I stop by around five?’
‘Perfect,’ Dominic said. ‘See you then!’ He went inside his house.
At his own home, Spiro found his bike in the garage among all the boxes of unpacked stuff. His bike reminded him that just a few weeks ago he’d been riding around his old neighbourhood with his old friends.
At five o’clock, Spiro went next door. Dominic was already outside with another boy and a girl when Spiro arrived. Dominic introduced them and said that they wanted to go for a ride, too.
As he pedalled alongside the others, the wind in his face, Spiro realised that he was feeling okay for the first time since moving.
Which of the following best describes the main theme or lesson of the story?
- No one likes a complainer.
- Be open to new friendships.
Think about the events in the story and make an inference:
Spiro overcomes his bad mood by seizing an opportunity to make a new friend.
Apply to the wider world to find a theme:
Be open to new friendships.
Let’s practice!
Read the following story.
One Bright Idea
I’ve been working on a present for my dad, Danielle told her friend, Lina. She was holding a colourful knitted strip.
‘Cool!’ Lina said. ‘What is it?’
‘A bookmark,’ Danielle said. ‘Can’t you tell?’ Lina thought it looked a little too thick to put in a book.
Danielle was just learning to knit, and her creations were not very practical. Lina recalled the misshapen duck booties Danielle had knit for her baby cousin. Lina hoped the baby never had to wear them.
Now Danielle picked up a big bag of yarn. She beamed at Lina and patted the floor next to her. ‘Come and pick out your colours!’ she said.
Lina sat down. ‘My colours?’
‘I’m going to knit you a jumper for your birthday,’ said Danielle. ‘I bought all this yarn. I was thinking shades of blue. Maybe some yellow?’
‘That is so sweet of you. But that’s too much work,’ said Lina. The thought of Danielle spending so much time on something she would never wear almost broke her heart.
‘It’s no problem. You’re my best friend. And I love knitting,’ said Danielle.
Lina took a deep breath. ‘Danielle, I don’t want a jumper.’ There, she had said it. ‘Those colours are so pretty, though. Maybe you could make me something to decorate my room?’
‘A decoration?’ Danielle echoed. Lina hoped she wasn’t upset.
‘Have you ever seen those pictures online of lampshades wrapped in yarn?’ Lina went on. ‘I’ve always thought they look so cool, but I’m not crafty enough to make one myself.’
‘Oh! I know what you’re talking about!’ Danielle said in excitement. ‘I could do blue yarn at the bottom, then start adding some yellow in the middle . . . ‘
As Danielle began to plan excitedly, Lina breathed a sigh of relief. Now she would be getting a birthday present that reminded her of her best friend—and one that she would be excited to use.