Theme. A theme is a central idea in a literary work. Theme is not the same as topic. A theme is a broad statement about a topic, such as “helping others is one of the best ways to feel good about yourself.” A topic is the subject of a literary work, such as “helping others,” “astronaut training,” or “California’s beaches.” Stories can share the same topic but have different themes because themes make unique statements about topics. In addition, more than one theme can appear in the same story. As you read, look for possible themes in “Born Worker.”
Figure of Speech. A figure of speech is writing or speech meant to be understood imaginatively instead of literally. Many writers, especially poets, use figurative language to help readers to see things in new ways. Figurative language includes such literary techniques as apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, oxymoron, paradox, personification, and simile. A simile is a comparison using like or as, such as this example from the story: “The black algae came up like a foamy monster.”
If the writer had altered the sentence to say, “The black algae was a foamy monster,” it would have been a metaphor. A metaphor is figurative language in which one thing is spoken or written about as if it were another. Personification is figurative language in which something not human is described as if it were human, such as “a nail bit his thumb.” Writers use these figures of speech to help readers create images in their minds. In “Born Worker,” the author often uses similes to describe characters and situations. As you read the story, what figures of speech can you find?
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- Geography Connection. The Central, or San Joaquin, Valley is located in the center of California. Because of the rich soil, the valley is home to many farms and agricultural businesses. This draws many Mexican immigrants skilled in farm work, who move there in search of jobs. Author Gary Soto draws from his own experiences growing up in California’s Central Valley and writes largely about the Mexican and Mexican-American population there.
- In all fifty states, there are laws that govern teenage and young adult workers. A person must be at least fourteen years old to be hired for most jobs, unless he or she babysits, delivers newspapers, works on a farm, or is an actor. Jobs done as household chores or other simple jobs for friends and family also are allowed. For some hazardous or difficult jobs, such as operating dangerous machinery or driving large trucks, the person has to be eighteen or older.
Find examples of simile in the story and keep a chart like the example below.
What would you do if someone working with you wasn’t doing his or her fair share of work?
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