Theme Determination Flashcards: Myths, Fables, and Folktales

Topic is what the story is ABOUT—the subject matter, characters, or events (a tortoise and hare, gold, a competition). Theme is the universal LESSON or MESSAGE the story teaches about life (persistence beats natural talent without effort, greed destroys what you have). Topic = subject. Theme = lesson about human experience.

Ask: "Could this apply to anyone, anywhere, anytime?" If yes, it's universal. "Honesty is rewarded" applies across all cultures and eras. "Woodcutters should be honest with river spirits" only applies to one specific story. Universal themes transcend the particular story's details and speak to broader human truths.

Endings show consequences and outcomes—the "what happened because of..." The greedy character loses everything (theme about greed). The honest character receives rewards (theme about honesty). The persistent character succeeds (theme about perseverance). Endings reveal what the author wants you to learn from the story.

No. If your theme statement includes specific story elements (Icarus, golden eggs, the tortoise, the lion), it's too specific. Replace specifics with universal terms: "the character," "people," "we." Instead of "Icarus shouldn't fly near the sun," say "Recklessness and ignoring wisdom lead to disaster." Generalize from the specific story to universal truth.

Many stories do have multiple themes. On the SAT, choose the theme that: (1) is most strongly supported by the main events and outcome, (2) is stated most universally, and (3) captures the central lesson the story emphasizes. Usually, the primary theme connects directly to why the story ends as it does.

Plot summary tells what happens: "A hare loses a race to a tortoise." Theme states what we learn: "Persistent effort is more valuable than talent without dedication." If your statement just describes events without expressing a life lesson, it's plot summary. Theme must include a lesson, value, or truth about human experience.

Yes, for SAT purposes. Single words like "honesty" or "perseverance" identify topics, not themes. Themes are complete statements: "Honesty leads to rewards," "Perseverance overcomes natural advantages," "Greed destroys what you have." The statement form forces you to express the relationship or lesson, not just name the concept.

Most foundation-level students achieve solid theme identification skills in 5-8 days of 6-8 minute daily practice with these cards. You've mastered the skill when you can instantly distinguish theme from topic, eliminate overly specific choices, and articulate why a statement is or isn't universal. Daily focused practice builds this analytical automaticity.