Thematic Essay
This unit will begin in what is most likely comfortable territory- having students write about and reflect upon the themes they see in the texts they have chosen to write about. This unit will push students to collect a few possible themes and to write long about them in their notebook. Then students will learn to read their texts a little more closely, paying attention to the small details in critical scenes to help them refine their thinking about the themes they originally named. In effort to push the sophistication and nuance of both their thinking and their reading of their texts, students will learn to focus on theme by paying attention to the author's craft of the text, using that craft to unlock more of the author's purpose.
Anchor Charts and all notes that should have been taken in class:
Resources and Examples
Roberts, Kate, and Katy Wischow. The Literary Essay: Analyzing Craft and Theme. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.