And I'll muddy the waters further. I tell my students that these are terms readers have invented to make it easier to think about and discuss literature. I doubt you'll find a talented writer who decides on message and/or theme as organizational tools. I recently heard John Irving explain how story invents itself. I've heard that Barbara Kingsolver has a sign above her monitor reminding her "Don't preach." I think we need to be careful about superimposing structure on creative work. I like the previous comment (was it Lori?) about making meaning for ourselves as individual readers. IMHO, we teach kids these terms not because there is one correct answer, but to help them delve into text, to think about their reading, and to discuss it with meaning. JMO, Judy
----- Original Message ----- From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, November 8, 2009 10:31:30 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Theme/author's message Maura Now I will muddy the waters a bit...our district says the author's purpose is one of three things...she writes to inform, to entertain or to persuade. Authors message and theme are used interchangeably. Jennifer In a message dated 11/8/2009 1:02:29 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: This inquiry was perfectly timed for me. Next week we will be focusing on the author's purpose and then finishing up the book and learning about theme. I am interested on hearing what others think about these topics! Maura _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
