Notes on Subject, Motif, Theme, and Epiphany Academic Vocabulary subject: ​
predominant topic of book, subject, etc. motif: ​
a distinctive feature or dominant idea in a literary work ­ it unifies the the piece/helps identify author’s theme. epiphany: ​
a moment when an essential truth about life or self is revealed ­ author’s theme usually grows out of this “moment” theme: ​
underlying message about life or human nature that is shared with the reader stated theme: ​
a message that is direct or immediately obvious to reader (usually found in fables, presented as morals, and in essays ­ stated at end of text) implied theme: ​
a message that must be inferred by reader recurring theme: ​
a theme that manifests itself repeatedly throughout the plot universal theme: ​
a theme found throughout all of literature, in different cultures and in different time periods theme statement: ​
generalization about life or human nature Let’s Practice Annotate! Open the cover of the book in your hands, bridge to unknown and wonderful lands. Travel through countries of wisdom and fun, nights full of darkness, days full of sun. ​
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Turn each page full of wonder, follow its road to up yonder where mountain tops talk to the sky whispering a wondering “why?” Treasure chest of make­believe places, meeting new and familiar faces. Reach for a book on the shelf — ​
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Discover the world, discover yourself. ­Margaret Ruurs, ​
“Treasure Chest” 1. The speaker uses a _________________ motif throughout the poem. Complete the chart finding words/phrases and abstract ideas that support this motif. Motif Journey Words/Phrases Abstract Ideas 2. Theme statement: 3. Stated or implied? Prove: Annotate! The biggest Surprise On the library shelf Is when you suddenly ​
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Find youself Inside a book ­ (The ​
hidden ​
you) You wonder how The author knew. ­ Beverly McLoughland ​
“Surprise” 1. What insight does the speaker discuss? 2. Based on your understanding of the speaker’s epiphany, how would you state the theme of the poem? 3. Stated or implied? Prove: Annotate! THE​
flower of the pear­tree gathers and turns to fruit; The swallow's' eggs have hatched into young birds. When the Seasons' changes thus confront the mind What comfort can the Doctrine of Tao give? 5 ​
It will teach me to watch the days and months fly Without grieving that Youth slips away; If the Fleeting World is but a long dream, It does not matter whether one is young or old. But ever since the day that my friend left my side 10 ​
And has lived an exile in the City of Chiang­ling, There is one wish I cannot quite destroy: That from time to time we may chance to meet again. ­ Po Chu­i ​
“At the End of Spring” 1. Name the primary motif in this poem ­ highlight proof. a. flowers
b. dreams
c. exile
d. passage of time 2. Why do you think the poem is titled “At the End of Spring”? 3. Write a theme statement for the poem. 4. Do you think the theme of this 8th century poem is recurring of universal? Explain. What have you learned?