ESL: Themes & Literary Comparisons

  Theme & Literary Comparisons in Myths and Traditional Stories

Learning Objectives

● Identify common figurative language such as similes, metaphors, and idioms in literary texts.

● Use context clues to determine word meanings and their nuances.

● Develop critical thinking by analyzing character actions, settings, and events in relation to the theme.

Welcome! In today's session, we will explore how similar themes are treated in myths and traditional stories. We will learn what a theme is, how to identify figurative language, and compare different stories. We will also use examples from familiar texts and use our vocabulary skills to understand the words authors use to express feelings and actions.

Warm Up: When you read a story, what are some ways the characters handle challenges? 

In this part of the lesson, we will explore what a theme is, examine how authors use figurative language to express ideas, and learn techniques for comparing the treatment of similar themes across myths and traditional stories.

Important Concepts

Theme: the main lesson or big idea a story teaches you. 💡 It's what the author wants you to learn about life, like being kind or brave. 

For example, the theme of a story where a small rabbit helps a big bear might be the importance of helping others.

● Example: In a myth, the theme might be bravery in the face of danger. In another traditional story, it might be the importance of friendship.

Similes and Metaphors: Similes and metaphors are used to compare two different things. A simile is like a comparison game using the words 'like' or 'as'. For example, saying "the moon is like a silver coin" is a simile. A metaphor is when you say one thing is another thing to show they are similar, like saying "the moon is a silver coin."

1.

Which of the following sentences is an example of a simile?

A.

The wind was a howling wolf last night.

B.

My alarm clock is a cheerful morning singer.

C.

The dancer floated across the stage like a feather.

D.

I ate the pizza for dinner.

The sentence, "The library was a silent tomb," is an example of a metaphor because it:

A.

Uses the word 'like' to compare the library to a tomb.

B.

Directly states that the library is a tomb.

C.

It is a short, well-known piece of advice.

D.

Gives an object human characteristics.

● Idioms and Proverbs: An idiom is a silly-sounding phrase like "it's raining cats and dogs," which really just means it's raining a lot! 

A proverb is a short, wise saying that gives advice, such as "look before you leap," which means you should think carefully before doing something. 🧠

1.

What does the idiom "A piece of cake" really mean?

A.

A tasty dessert that you eat after dinner.

B.

A very big and hard problem to solve.

C.

Something very easy to do.

D.

Something you need to bake in the oven.

2.

What wise advice does the proverb "Slow and steady wins the race" teach us about life?

A.

That working carefully and consistently is better than rushing.

B.

You should always run as fast as you can in every race.

C.

It is important to start your day with a long walk.

D.

You must only do one thing at a time.

Comparing Themes in Different Stories

● Let's look at two stories that share a similar theme as we read the pay attention to:

1. Similies

2. Idioms

3. Theme

Story 1: The Broken Bike

Leo and Ben wanted to ride their bikes to the big park, but halfway there, Leo’s chain broke. His face looked as sad as a rainy day [Simile]. He worried they would have to call it a day [Idiom] and go home, but Ben smiled. Ben knew a little about fixing things. He did not have all the right tools, but he worked hard, using a small rock and a twig to push the chain back into place. It was not a perfect fix, but it was enough. Together, they slowly rode the rest of the way to the park, happy that their friendship had helped them solve the problem.

Story 2: The Lost Backpack

Maya and Sam were hiking a new trail to see a hidden waterfall. When they stopped for a snack, Sam realized his backpack was gone! It had their map, water, and lunch. Sam felt a chill, thinking they would be up a creek without a paddle [Idiom]. Maya quickly said, "Don't worry, we are a team!" She was as helpful as a bright flashlight [Simile]. They walked back slowly, looking carefully. Maya spotted the blue pack hanging on a low branch near a big rock. They hugged, knowing that working together made the hard moment much easier, and they found the waterfall just in time for sunset.

1. Write the theme that the two stories share.

2. Write one simile or idiom you found in each story

3.  Do the stories both have the same lesson about the theme?

5.  Draw a Venn Diagram to compare the two stories.

 Reading Example:

Consider a story of a brave hero who overcomes a great monster. 

The Knight vs The Worm

Sir Kael was the bravest knight in the land. One day, a giant, scary Shadow Worm crawled out of the mountains and blocked the path to the small village. All the villagers were afraid and asked Sir Kael for help. The monster's skin was as tough as old leather, and its roar made the ground shake. Sir Kael knew the fight would be hard, but he decided to take the bull by the horns and face the beast right away. He held his glowing sword tight, and with one quick, brave move, Sir Kael found the monster's weakness and saved the village, showing everyone what true courage meant.

○ What action does the character take to show courage?

○ Which figurative language (like heart of a lion or fleet as the wind) is used to describe their actions?

Writing Practice:

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce both stories and state that you will compare their treatment of a similar theme.

Example: I will be comparing the themes in _______________ and___________. The theme I will write about is__________.

2. Body: In one or two sentences, describe how each text uses figurative language to enhance the theme. Use direct quotes where possible (e.g., as brave as a lion) and explain what the quote means.

Example: ________ used the similie_________ to show_________.

________ used the metaphor_________ to show_________.

________ used the idiom_________ to show_________.

3. Conclusion: Summarize the key similarities and differences between the texts.

Example: Both the stories were about_______________. The stories were different in how they ___________.

Key Takeaways

● Understanding the theme of a story helps uncover the deeper meaning behind actions

and events.

● Authors use various forms of figurative language to enhance the treatment of themes.

● Comparing and contrasting the treatment of themes in different texts deepens literacy and critical thinking skills.

Exit Tickets 

 Describe one thing you learned today about how authors use language to express ideas.

Write your own sentence that uses one simile, metaphor, or idiom.