Theme+Paragraphs

= THEMES in literature involve the "big ideas" in a work, connecting it to the world and human experience in general. Here are some large theme ideas that writers explore in their work: =



===**TOPIC:** Using 4 separate paragraphs, discuss __4 main themes__ explored in //Curious Incident//. State the theme clearly, and then explain how it is shown in the book. Remember, a __theme__ is a particular idea or message the author makes in a work, based upon what happens to the characters and why. Be sure that each theme you discuss is __distinct__ from the others and that they explore varying levels of universality. Use the Pressfield blog post and the poster at right to help you. Each paragraph should be approximately 5-8 sentences. (20 pts.)===


 * Either write your response by hand or type it on your ipad as a Google doc, shared with me.**

Example Theme Paragraph from //Mountains Beyond Mountains//:
=== One of the themes explored by Tracy Kidder in Mountains Beyond Mountains is suggested by the title of the book, which comes from a Haitian proverb. It means, basically, that life is one struggle after another, and in this case, the struggle is not just for those who are poor or sick, but for the doctor who wants to help them. What Kidder covers in the book is the story of Paul Farmer's coming of age, his working to become a doctor, and his creation of Partners in Health. Each chapter shows in detail the hard work and extraordinary effort and sacrifice made by Farmer, from his sleeping in his office chair at Zanmi Lasante to his constantly being broke because he's donated all of his money to PIH. He faces struggles getting in and out of Haiti during the political upheaval of the Duvaliers; he writes letters and applies for grants in order to get money for supplies and facilities; and he takes it upon himself to personally visit many of his TB patients to be sure they are taking their medicine. The book convinces us of the extreme efforts needed to bring health care to the poorest parts of our world. Paul Farmer is an extraordinary person in how he does not let the "mountains" facing him keep him from working hard and building healthcare networks in central Haiti. In fact, it is because of the extreme level of poverty there that Farmer chooses it as the best place to bring much-needed health care. ===