Theme Analysis for Sounder

A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story. Many stories have more than one important theme. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate the themes in Sounder. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate twp themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme, and show two examples of it, one example per cell.

Examples of Themes in Sounder

Identity

The dog’s name, Sounder, is the only name in the whole book. The family is identified as poor, but that is their only identity. To the family, Sounder is important, but to the world, the family is unimportant and has no identity.

Loyalty

Sounder is a fearless and loyal dog. One example of this is when he chases the wagon as his master is being taken away to jail.

Growing Up

The boy is forced to grow up fast when his father is taken away. He must help raise his younger siblings and take care of his family.

Courage

The boy is very courageous. He goes out to look for his father, and is even injured because of it. He also never gives up his dream of learning to read and write.

Due Date:

Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies 2 recurring themes in Sounder. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.

Student Instructions:

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Identify the themes from Sounder you wish to include and write them in the headings.
3. Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
4. Write a short description of each of the examples.
5. Save and exit when you're done.