Please copy the following notes on identifying and writing a central idea:

The central idea is the central, unifying element of the piece, which ties together all of the other elements used by the author to tell the story. The central idea can be best described as the dominant impression or the universal, generic truth found in the story/poem. 

Central ideas reflect the discoveries, emotions, conflicts, and experiences of a story’s main character. They are commentaries about the way the world works and or how the author views human existence. Central ideas are supportable. Try to find the interpretation that is most easily supported and covers the greatest percentage of story.

The central idea or theme of a story is an author’s comment, usually implied, on the subject of his narrative. It is NOT ENOUGH to say that the central idea of a story is about a general topic (“loyalty” or “motherhood”), it is SPECIFIC.

(copy if you want an example):

For example, a poorly written central idea for the story of Cinderella would say: "Cinderella is the story of a poor, servant girl who overcomes the cruelty of her family and lives happily every after with Prince Charming." (THAT'S A SUMMARY)

On the other hand, a well-written central idea would say something like: "The story of Cinderella reveals that people who are kind and patient are often rewarded for their good deeds."

Let's answer these questions on the back of page 1 (no need to copy because you will restate: 

"The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd" is a reply to "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love"

1. Does the Nymph seem interested in the shepherd's offer to "live" and "love" with him? Why do you say this?

2. What function does time serve in the poem (what does it represent)? What words serve as  evidence of this in the poem?

3. What argument is the speaker making about the relationship between youth and love? How did you make this connection?



Let's try this again:
How does Raleigh develop a central idea of his poem? (What is it? How does he do it?)

Thesis (the central idea)
Reason (why is this thesis true)
Evidence/explain (connect the textual evidence to the thesis: how does it prove your central idea?)
Evidence/explain (connect the textual evidence to the thesis: how does it prove your central idea?)
E*vidence/explain (connect the textual evidence to the thesis: how does it prove your central idea?)
Summary (sum up the main points you made)


Comparing the 2 poems side-by-side--how are they the same?

Structural similarities:
Both poems have six stanzas
o Both poems have four-line stanzas
o Both poems use rhyming couplets
o The repeating phrase “live with [me/thee] and be [my/thy] love" in both poems

The words or phrases present in both poems:
“live with me/thee and be my/thy love“ (Marlowe line 1 and line Raleigh 4)
 “mind may/might move“ (Marlowe line 27 and Raleigh line 23)
 “flocks“ (Marlowe line 6 and Raleigh line 5)
 “fields“ (Marlowe line 3 and Raleigh line 5)
 “rocks“ (Marlowe line 5 and Raleigh line 6)
 “rivers“ (Marlowe line 7 and Raleigh line 6)