to identify and track a theme throughout a novel What I will learn:
The novel Chalkline was written in 2009 by Jane Mitchell. It deals with a wide variety of powerful themes. When studying any novel, it is vital to identify the themes and issues at an early stage in the story. An author deliberately presents themes in a story in order to get the reader thinking and questioning.
PREPARE
What novels have you studied in school so far? You can think back to primary school if you wish. In groups of three, create a list of the novels you have studied and the themes you have encountered in them. From these themes, draw up a list of recurring themes (in other words, themes that keep popping up again and again).
READ
Read the following blurb from the novel Chalkline by Jane Mitchell, which gives you a little more information about this story.
Rafiq’s turn came and he stepped up to the chalk line. It reached the top of his ear. ‘This one is big enough. He goes in the truck. He’s our first.’
Rafiq is only nine when Kashmiri Freedom Fighters raid his village in search of new recruits. Tall for his age, he is the first boy to cross the chalk line into a life of brutality and violence. Jameela cannot forget her brother. While Rafiq is trained to kill in the rebel camp high in the mountains, she keeps his memory alive. When finally their paths cross again, Rafiq is unrecognisable as the boy who left the village. Will Jameela know him?
EXPLORE
1. 2. 3.
What is the purpose of the blurb? Having read the blurb, would you wish to read the novel?
Based on this blurb, can you suggest some of the themes that may be addressed in this novel?
A NOVEL APPROACH D 367
Remember
A theme is an important idea that runs strongly through a piece of writing.
