Mohammad Iqbal Al Fahtizi 18320193
Identifying Themes in Literature
Goal
Once you have a universal theme in mind, you must narrow it down to a theme statement. This statement represents the idea the writer wishes to convey about the subject—the writier’s view of the world or observation about human nature
Investigate
Brainstorm aspects of the story that seem to relate to your universal theme. Look at the following areas: title, character, plot, point of view, symbols, allusions, and patterns.
Compose
Write one or more generalized, declarative sentences that state what was learned and how it was learned.
Test
• Is the theme supported by evidence from the work itself?
• Are all the author’s choices of plot, character, conflict, and tone controlled by this theme?
Universal Theme: The universal theme is about expressing and bringing out those emotions
Title: Explain how the title might indicate or emphasize some important aspect of the universal theme A Happy Man" is a story of a man who created his own happiness, but he also felt bad at the same
Character: List the protagonist’s lessons learned, struggles, motivations, and anything else that seems to set him/her apart from the rest
Ivan is disoriented and concerned about his divorce from his wife.
• Ivan felt bad about being late for the train. Because he had a couple beers first, it occurred.
• Ivan was overjoyed because his honeymoon preparations with his wife were still on track, despite a few setbacks at the start.
• Ivan has met his friends and fellow travellers, and he has expressed his emotions with them. However, he was so ecstatic that he forgot about his surroundings since all he could think about was happiness. He felt like he was being punished for being delighted and breaking up with his wife.
Plot: List significant events and conflict that occur. Explain how conflicts are dealt with or resolved Trigger incident: while talking to other passengers Ivan was surprised that the train was leaving.
• Conflict: Ivan jumps into the train he sees first and then he meets Peter, his friend.
• Climax: Ivan realizes that he got on the wrong train.
• Fall Action: After realizing his mistake, and he wants to get on the next train immediately
• Rejection: Other passengers help Ivan by raising money so that Ivan can board the train
Point of View: List the narrator’s comments about other characters and lessons learned. Explain how the narrator is involved with significant events and conflicts
The narrator describes there is a person named ivan who has a thin body with a ginger hat and coat. Ivan has a cheerful nature. Ivan is also a reckless person when he gets on the wrong train.
Symbols, Imagery, & Motif: List any symbols, etc. that relate to the universal theme
• Loving like a house on fire: Giving all the heart to love that we have. (Symbols)
• I look awfully stupid just now (Imagery, sight)
Theme Statement:
Happiness is something that every human being really wants, but if it's excessive, negative things will appear such as carelessness, lack of thoroughness and others. So don't be excessive in expression.
