Name: _____________________
Date: _____________________
The main idea of a story is its theme. The theme can give a point of view such as “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” Or it could be a lesson such as “Don”t cry over spilled milk.”
Clues to a story’s theme are found in its plot, setting, and characters. Symbols also provide clues to theme. Answer the questions below to help you discover the theme of “Dr Heidegger’s Experiment.”
1. What do you think the word “experiment” means in the title of the story?
2. How do the guests react when Dr. Heidegger suggests that they make some rules about reliving their past?
3. Do the guests use their past experiences to guide them after they grow young? Why or why not?
4. What lesson does Dr. Heidegger say he learned from his experiement?
5. Do the four guests learn the same lesson as Dr. Heidegger? Why or why not?
6. Conclusion: What did you learn from the story that might be considered a fact of life?
7. Theme: Using your answers to the questions above, decide the theme of Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment.” State the theme in one or two sentences. State it in general terms, for example, “Life is…” or “People are…”