Understanding Theme
Through
Short Stories
- Asha Joram
So, in today’s lesson we will learn about : A short story Titled: ___________.
Also, we will identify and find the theme of this story by analyzing its key elements:
❏ Character
❏ Setting
❏ Plot
❏ Conflict
Experiences:
● Have you ever travelled by a
train alone or with your
family?
● How was your experience ?
● What are the things you
could see from the train’s
window ?
● Can you talk to us about
some cherished moments in
your life that you can never
forget ?
What is a Short Story ? ● It is a brief fictional work between 1,500
to 7,500 words.
● Usually short stories concentrate on a
single event with only one or two
characters.
● Contains a main character
● Usually hinges on one moment in a
character’s journey.
● Few significant scenes
● Less secondary characters and dialogues
● Basically, it can be read in one sitting.
Elements of Short Story: ● The short story has three elements:
plot, characterization, and setting.
● In addition, short stories also contain
other features including: theme,
conflict, point of view, suspense,
and flashback,
Theme is extremely vital to the short
story, however, that some critics consider
it the fourth element, rather than a device
or feature.
Ruskin Bond as a storywriter:
● One of the greatest Indian writers
in modern times.
● His stories are simple and
touching at the same time.
● He has a very deep understanding
and clear idea about indian
village life and culture.
An Eminent Indian Author
● Inspired by real life experiences. Awarded with : Sahitya Akademi,
Padmashree and PadmaBhushan.
CHARACTERIZATION: Minor characters:
Major characters: ● The old Station master
● The narrator: 18 years old who studies in ● The young Station master
Delhi. He falls in love with the girl, he is ● The guard
observant and sensitive to his surrounding.He ● The owner of the tea stall
has impulsive thoughts yet he is calm, composed
and contemplative in nature.
● The Girl: Same as narrator’s age, she has
pale skin, shiny black hair and troubled
expressive eyes, her clothes are old and
her feet bare, she smiles at the narrator,
she is simple yet graceful and dignified.
Her captivating smile casted a magical
spell on the narrator. She represents the
poorer section of society.
Physical Setting: The time, place, and season
● Depicted as a small, remote station about 30 miles
from Dehra.
● Significant events occur early in the morning,
around 5’clock.
● Serves as a stop on the night train route.
● Dimly lit electric bulbs and oil lamp.
● Not a significant destination for passengers.
Emotional setting : mood and ● Single platform, an office for the station master,
atmosphere and a waiting room.
● One tea stall, a fruit vendor, and a few stray dogs.
● Contemplative and nostalgic
● Surrounded by heavy jungle, quiet, secluded and
● Intrigued and fascinated somewhat mysterious.
● Wilderness and isolation
What is a Plot ?
● The series of events that make up the
story.
● Basically, the plot is what happens
in the story.
● Traditionally, it is divided into five
parts:
● 1. Introduction: 2. Rising
action Conflict:
3. Climax 4. Falling Action
● Conflict drives the plot forward. The reader
5.Conclusion/Resolution discovers the conflict by the end of the
introduction.
● Plot is the foundation of a story ● Internal Conflict and External Conflict
What is a Theme? HOW?
➢ What problem is the main character
● A theme is a central unifying idea in a facing?
story. ➢ What lesson did the main character
● The message of the story, stated in one learn?
or two complete sentences. ➢ What message can you take away from
the story?
● Deeper Question about Identity,
Philosophy OR morality
● MAIN IDEA V/S THEME
● Themes often come from the author’s
own beliefs or feelings. ★ A major theme is an idea the writer keeps
on repeating in his work, portraying it as the
most significant idea.
Topic/subject v/s THEME
★ The minor theme is the idea that appears
● Help the students to expand their topics
briefly in the story.
into a theme sentence.
Common subjects/topics for themes:
● Growth
● Love
● Cruelty
● Guilt
● Poverty
● Death and Dying
● Heroism
● Revenge
● Courage
● Hope
● ● Ethics
Friendship ● Human relations
● ● Experience
Perseverance ● Identity
● ● Fall from Grace
Nature ● Science & technology
● Desire
● Family
● Individual & Nature
● Transience
● Fate
● Individual & Society
● Redemption
● Freedom
● Loss of innocence
Identifying and finding Themes: The night train at Deoli
Topic word Theme
Time Time can stand still when we are in love and admiration.
Love and loss some experiences are best left as memories, allowing the
imagination to keep them alive and cherish forever.
Beauty Beauty is subjective, it lies in the eyes of beholder.
Platonic love Love is gentle and kind. It does not bind.
Unspoken words Unspoken words are often the loudest.
First love A first love always occupies a special place in our heart.
Self evaluation Listen to the silence. It’s telling the truth.
Hope Hope keeps us alive and look forward to greatness.
Climax_____________ Grade________
Home Work:
Name__________
Rising Falling
action:_________ action:_________
Conflict_________
Topic word Theme
Faith True faith can move
mountains.
Setting:____________ Conclusion/
Self belief
Resolution________
Characters:___________ Will power
