Page 82 - SpringBoard_ELD_Grade8_Flipbook

interact in Meaningful Ways: identify Theme
Learning Targets
• Express and justify opinions in conversation and writing by providing text evidence and using nuanced modal expressions and phrases. PI.8.11a–b
• Analyze theme and how it is communicated through a close reading of dialogue, connotative language, and events. PI.8.6a–b
Theme
Short stories portray characters who are struggling with a problem or conflict in a real or imagined world. Besides entertaining the reader, the writer also wants to communicate a deeper message or truth about life. This message is called the story’s theme, and the writer conveys a story’s theme through the details of the story. In this activity, you will identify, analyze, and evaluate theme.
One theme of “Harrison Bergeron” relates to the dangers of trying to make everyone equal. Skim through “Harrison Bergeron” looking for textual evidence that will support this thematic statement “A central theme of ‘Harrison Bergeron’ is that trying to create complete equality can rob people of personal choice and happiness.” Look for dialogue, description, figurative language, and plot details that show characters who do not have personal choices or are not happy. Write two examples in the chart. Then analyze each example by explaining how the textual evidence supports the theme.
aCTiViTY 1.6
language
Resources
Literary Terms
theme: the central message
or truth about life that a story communicates through its characters, plot, setting, imagery, and other details
dialogue: the words the characters say in the story or play textual evidence: details from the text, including dialogue, plot events, descriptions of characters and setting, objects, imagery, and title
aCadeMiC VoCabUlaRY
Imply is a verb that means “suggests
or expresses something without
saying it directly.” A friend might
imply disapproval with a look or
a frown.
Theme of “Harrison Bergeron”
Explain how the details support the theme
Textual evidence
Specific details from the textual evidence
Unit 2 • The Challenge of Utopia • Part 1: Harrison Bergeron 59
language
Resources
Connotative Language
Connotative language includes words and images that imply theme. Below are words that suggest unhappiness or loss of choices.
“It was such a doozy that George was white and trembling and tears stood on the rims of his red eyes.”
George is “white and trembling”
“tears” on his “red eyes”
Shows that George is unhappy – he is “white and trembling” and has tears on his bloodshot eyes.
Verbs
padlocked cowered winced
Adjectives
hideous tired abnormal
Images
buzzer hammer
red rubber ball
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