The Map Trap Study Guide
Theme
The way a conflict is resolved is a major clue about the theme of the novel. It is also the
message that the author wants readers to understand and take away after reading. Common
theme examples include: importance of family, finding courage, having hope, and not giving up.
Often themes can be found by asking yourself what the main character learns by the end of the
story.
1. What message do you think the author wants to send, based on how the story's main
problem was solved? This will be the theme you chose and can be one sentence. Begin by
restating the question.