Theme

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Definition

• Themes illustrate central ideas that emerge in a text.

• They are expressed as complete sentences.• They are written generically and in third person

with no specific references to the text.

• Your examples from Ethan Frome: – In life, there are few happy endings, nor will all our

dreams come true. – Our responsibilities limit our freedom.

What does Skloot tell us about these topics? (Choose one.)

1. The conflict between individual rights and scientific inquiry

2. The problematic relationship between race and science3. The power of storytelling4. Going back into history (Deborah’s quote is already

taken)5. Belief systems (esp. science and religion)

• Identify three examples from The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks to support your theme.