The Play's the Thing: A Lesson in Themes

Questions: 5

Grade: 6

Words: 157

Text

Text & Questions

Text, Questions & Answers

The students of Sunnyvale Middle School were buzzing with excitement. They were tasked with creating a play for the annual school event. But they faced a big question - what should their play's theme be?
"Let's do a funny fairy tale!" suggested Lily.
"But what about a magical adventure?" countered Alex.
Their teacher, Mr. Bennett, stepped in. "The theme is not just about the setting or characters. It's the underlying message or essential idea that runs through the story," he explained.
The class understood. A theme gives the story depth and direction. It's like the soul of the tale, making it more than just a series of events.
After much discussion, they decided on 'Courage' as their theme. The play evolved into a brave fairy tale character undertaking a magical adventure, facing trials but never backing down. The audience was touched and cheered wildly. The theme of 'Courage' had elevated their simple play into a memorable experience.

Question 1

What does 'theme' mean in the context of a play?

The costumes and set design

The main characters

The underlying message or essential idea that runs through the story

Explanation. In the context of a play, the theme refers to the underlying message or essential idea that runs through the story. It gives the story depth and direction.

The location where the play is set

The type of music used

Question 2

What was the theme of the play created by the students of Sunnyvale Middle School?

Adventure

Fairy tale

Comedy

Courage

Explanation. The theme of the play created by the students was 'Courage'. The play was about a brave fairy tale character undertaking a magical adventure, facing trials but never backing down.

Friendship

Question 3

Why was the theme of 'Courage' important for the play?

It made the play longer

It made the play funny

It made the play scary

It elevated the play into a memorable experience

Explanation. The theme of 'Courage' was important because it elevated their simple play into a memorable experience. It gave the story depth and direction.

It made the play sad

Question 4

Who helped the students understand what a 'theme' is?

Lily

Alex

Their parents

Mr. Bennett

Explanation. Mr. Bennett, their teacher, helped the students understand what a 'theme' is. He explained that the theme is not just about the setting or characters, but is the underlying message or essential idea that runs through the story.

Their principal

Question 5

What element from Alex's and Lily's suggestions was included in the play?

Humour

Tragedy

Magical adventure

Explanation. The element of 'Magical adventure' from Alex's suggestion was included in the play. The play was about a brave fairy tale character undertaking a magical adventure, facing trials but never backing down.