Theme in Literature — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The theme of the mystery novel is that the detective solved the case.
Corrected: The theme of the mystery novel is that patience and attention to detail help you find the truth.
The corrected sentence is: "The theme of the mystery novel is that patience and attention to detail help you find the truth." The error was theme vs. plot summary: the original sentence "The theme of the mystery novel is that the detective solved the case." needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
The theme of the story is jealousy because the older sister is jealous of the baby.
Corrected: The topic of the story is jealousy, but the theme is that learning to share love makes a family stronger.
The corrected sentence is: "The topic of the story is jealousy, but the theme is that learning to share love makes a family stronger." The error was theme vs. topic confusion: the original sentence "The theme of the story is jealousy because the older sister is jealous of the baby." needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
The theme is the setting because the story takes place in a small village.
Corrected: The setting is where the story takes place, but the theme is the life lesson, such as 'A close community can overcome any challenge.'
The corrected sentence is: "The setting is where the story takes place, but the theme is the life lesson, such as 'A close community can overcome any challenge.'" The error was theme vs. setting: the original sentence "The theme is the setting because the story takes place in a small village." needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A character's actions often reveals the theme because it shows what the character values.
What a character chooses to do reveals what they care about most, and those values point directly to the story's deeper message.
2. The main conflict in a story is the problem or struggle that drives the plot and often points to the theme.
The conflict is the central problem the characters must face, and how they resolve it usually reveals the story's theme or lesson.
3. In a story where a bully apologizes after seeing how much pain he caused, the theme is about taking responsibility for your actions.
The bully's apology after seeing the harm he caused shows that owning up to your mistakes and taking responsibility is necessary to make things right.
4. When a character solves a problem by listening to others, the theme may be that good listening leads to understanding.
When a character solves a problem by hearing others out, it shows that good listening helps people understand different perspectives and find better solutions.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Read: Rosa wanted to be class president. She made promises she could not keep and lost the election. The next year, she made honest promises and won. What is the theme? Cite evidence.
Sample answer: The theme is that honesty earns trust and respect. Rosa lost when she made false promises but won the next year when she was truthful, showing that people value honesty.
A good answer includes: The theme is that honesty earns trust and respect. Rosa lost when she made false promises but won the next year when she was truthful, showing that people value honesty.
2. How can a story's conflict help you figure out the theme? Give an example.
Sample answer: The conflict shows what the character struggles with, and how the conflict is resolved reveals the lesson. For example, if the conflict is that a character is afraid to try new things and then overcomes that fear, the theme is about being brave.
A good answer includes: The conflict shows what the character struggles with, and how the conflict is resolved reveals the lesson. For example, if the conflict is that a character is afraid to try new things and then overcomes that fear, the theme is about being brave.