What is THEME?

1. What is THEME?

2. How to find theme in a poem: Examine the titleWhat does the title make you think the poem is about? Does it contain any key words that signal theme or meaning?

3. 2. Read Slowly and Read AloudOften, poetry is not about primarily one main point; the meaning can be contained in the word choice, sounds and rhythm of a poem. Does the poem seem to be harsh or soft? Elegant or rough? Are there any dominant words or sounds throughout the poem?

4. Identify the SpeakerOne important key to understanding a poem is to find out who is speaking. Is the narrator using "I," "you" or the third person? Does the speaker seem to be an individual person or a collective, such as a town, state, country or gender? Notice whether the speaker seems to be directly addressing the audience versus telling a story about somebody else.

5. Determine the SubjectsRead through the poem and notice your first reaction. What seems to be the primary subject matter of the poem? What types of scenes does it depict, and what actions, events or emotions are discussed?

6. Determine the Types of Imagery and Metaphor UsedBoth of these elements can help you to understand the meaning of the poem. For example, a poem that includes imagery of dying or decaying fruit versus a poem full of imagery of ripe, healthy fruit might indicate a theme of death and dying rather than a theme of life and happiness. Pay careful attention to what the author chooses to compare and the imagery used throughout the poem.

7. What about the poet? • Why is it importance of knowing the author/poets background? • How can knowing more about the author/poet help you to identify the theme? • What types of things do you want to find out about the author/poet in order to determine the themes of their poems?

8. Langston Hughes • James Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri. • His parents divorced when he was a young child • His father moved to Mexico. • He was raised by his grandmother until he was thirteen, when he moved to Lincoln, Illinois, to live with his mother and her husband, before the family eventually settled in Cleveland, Ohio. It was in Lincoln that Hughes began writing poetry. • After graduating from high school, he spent a year in Mexico followed by a year at Columbia University in New York City. • He held odd jobs such as assistant cook, launderer, and busboy. He also travelled to Africa and Europe working as a seaman. • In November 1924, he moved to Washington, D.C. Based on Hughes background, what are some themes you might find in his poems?

9. I, TooBy Langston HughesI, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table When company comes. Nobody’ll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then. Besides, They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed— I, too, am America.

10. Dylan Thomas • Dylan Marlais Thomas was born on October 27, 1914, in Swansea, South Wales. • His father was an English Literature professor at the local grammar school and would often recite Shakespeare to Thomas before he could read. He loved the sounds of nursery rhymes. • Thomas was a neurotic, sickly child who shied away from school and preferred reading on his own. • He read all of D. H. Lawrence's poetry, impressed by vivid descriptions of the natural world. • In his late teens Thomas wrote more than half of his collected poems. Based on Thomas’ background, what themes might you find in his poems?

11. Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good NightDo not go gentle into that good nightOld age should burn and rave at close of day;Rage, rage against the dying of the light.Though wise men at their end know dark is right,Because their words had forked no lightning theyDo not go gentle into that good night.Good men, the last wave by, crying how brightTheir frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,Rage, rage against the dying of the light.Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,Do not go gentle into that good night.Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sightBlind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,Rage, rage against the dying of the light.And you, my father, there on that sad height,Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.Do not go gentle into that good night.Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Dylan Thomas

12. Maya Angelou • Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 4, 1928. • She grew up in St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas. • She is an author, poet, historian, songwriter, playwright, dancer, stage and screen producer, director, performer, singer, and civil rights activist. • She is best known for her autobiographical books: Mom & Me & Mom (Random House, 2013); Letter to My Daughter (2008); All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986); The Heart of a Woman (1981); Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas (1976); Gather Together in My Name (1974); and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sngs Think about the time period of her life. What obstacles do you think Maya endured as a black woman during the civil rights movement? What themes might you find in her poetry?

13. Still I Rise  by Maya AngelouYou may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? ‘Cause I walk like I've got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, Weakened by my soulful cries? Does my haughtiness offend you? Don't you take it awful hard 'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines Diggin' in my own backyard. You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise. Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs? Out of the huts of history's shame I rise Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise.