Activity Overview
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 two of the themes in Cinder. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate two themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Cinder
Identity
Throughout the story, Cinder learns that not only is she a cyborg, but she is also a Lunar and that she’s actually Princess Selene. Cinder struggles with her identity and not having a true family to call her own.
Acceptance and Connection
Cinder must live with her legal guardian, her horrible stepmother, and her two stepsisters. Peony, the younger stepsister, shows caring and kindness towards Cinder, but she is a victim of the letumosis plague and dies. Because Cinder is a cyborg, people dislike her and are afraid of her, even though they may not know her. Cinder longs for a connection with someone.
Courage
Although she knows that her life is at risk, Cinder feels the need and responsibility to protect her country and its people. One example of this is when she goes to the ball knowing that Queen Levana is there and wants her dead in order to prevent Kai from agreeing to marry the Queen.
Selflessness and Sacrifice
Both Cinder and Kai show a great deal of selflessness throughout the story. One example of this is when Kai becomes emperor and Cinder warns him of Levana’s plans to kill him after they marry. Kai knows of this plan but is willing to do it anyway in order to get the antidote and save lives.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Cinder. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Cinder you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
Activity Overview
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 two of the themes in Cinder. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate two themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Cinder
Identity
Throughout the story, Cinder learns that not only is she a cyborg, but she is also a Lunar and that she’s actually Princess Selene. Cinder struggles with her identity and not having a true family to call her own.
Acceptance and Connection
Cinder must live with her legal guardian, her horrible stepmother, and her two stepsisters. Peony, the younger stepsister, shows caring and kindness towards Cinder, but she is a victim of the letumosis plague and dies. Because Cinder is a cyborg, people dislike her and are afraid of her, even though they may not know her. Cinder longs for a connection with someone.
Courage
Although she knows that her life is at risk, Cinder feels the need and responsibility to protect her country and its people. One example of this is when she goes to the ball knowing that Queen Levana is there and wants her dead in order to prevent Kai from agreeing to marry the Queen.
Selflessness and Sacrifice
Both Cinder and Kai show a great deal of selflessness throughout the story. One example of this is when Kai becomes emperor and Cinder warns him of Levana’s plans to kill him after they marry. Kai knows of this plan but is willing to do it anyway in order to get the antidote and save lives.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Cinder. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Cinder you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
How Tos about Themes in Cinder
Build a classroom discussion around Cinder’s themes
Engage students in a lively conversation about the central ideas in Cinder. Use open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and help students connect the story’s themes to their own lives.
Prepare theme-related discussion questions
Draft several questions that explore identity, acceptance, courage, and sacrifice. Example: “How does Cinder’s identity affect her choices?” or “Why is sacrifice important in the story?”
Facilitate small group or partner sharing
Divide students into pairs or small groups to discuss their answers before sharing with the whole class. This approach boosts confidence and helps all students find their voice.
Encourage personal connections
Ask students to relate the themes to their own experiences. Prompt: “Can you think of a time you showed courage or helped someone feel accepted?”
Wrap up with a reflective writing prompt
Invite students to write a brief reflection on which theme resonated most with them and why. This solidifies understanding and gives insight into their perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in Cinder
What are the main themes in Cinder by Marissa Meyer?
Cinder explores key themes such as identity, acceptance and connection, courage, and selflessness and sacrifice. Each theme is woven into the story through the characters' struggles and choices, making them central to the novel's message.
How can students identify and illustrate themes in Cinder for a class assignment?
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas or messages in the story. To illustrate them, choose key scenes or character actions that represent each theme, then create images and write short descriptions explaining their significance.
Why is identity an important theme in Cinder?
Identity is crucial in Cinder because the main character struggles to discover who she really is—both as a cyborg and as Princess Selene. This journey shapes her decisions and highlights the search for belonging and self-acceptance.
What examples of courage are shown in Cinder?
Cinder shows courage when she risks her life to protect others, such as attending the ball despite the danger from Queen Levana. Her bravery is a key part of the story’s message about standing up for what is right.
What is the best way to teach themes from Cinder to middle school students?
The best way is to have students identify themes, find examples from the story, and create storyboards or illustrations. Discussing the characters’ actions and motivations helps students connect with the material and understand the deeper messages.
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