Theme is a difficult concept for many students to understand: it goes beyond the superficial to something deeper in meaning, and considering that many students have not experienced much of life and what it means to be human; understanding this more layered meaning in literature is perplexing for students and difficult for educators to teach. Using the wonderful short story by James Hurst, “The Scarlet Ibis,” as the vehicle to teach theme promotes understanding and success. A list of possible