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DEVELOPING A THEMATIC STATEMENT

+What is a theme?

A theme is a message or main idea that the writer wants the reader to remember after reading his/her work. Most stories, plays, novels, and poems have more than one theme.

+What is a Thematic Statement?

A thematic statement is a complete sentence that express a theme. A thematic statement could serve as a thesis in a thematic essay.

+What is a theme NOT?

+Theme Statement Dos and Don’ts Do…

express the theme as a general comment on a subject. People with realistic goals tend to be more successful than

those who put little thought into their futures. express the theme in your own words.

People who commit crimes may be punished in unexpected ways.

express the theme as an insight into life. Gossip can cause serious damage to a person’s reputation.

use qualifying words in a thematic statement, such as sometimes, can, may, and often. Poverty may transform honest people into criminals.

draw a general insight from a character’s behavior. Friends are not always trustworthy.

+Theme Statement Dos and Don’ts Don’t…

express the theme as a subject or topic. The theme is goals for the future.

express the theme as an adage or familiar saying (cliché). Crime doesn’t pay.

express the theme as a moral. It’s wrong to gossip about people.

make a thematic statement too general. Avoid broad generalizations with words such as everyone, always, never, and all. Poverty causes crime.

refer to specific characters in a thematic statement. Winston learns not to trust others around him.

+Some GOOD Examples

Topic: Love

Theme: Unconditional love withstands any obstacle.

Topic: Hope

Theme: Hope can help a person to survive any dark time.

Topic: Courage

Theme: It is important to have courage to express one’s individuality.

Topic: Jealousy

Theme: Jealousy can cause lasting damage to individuals and relationships.

+Creating General Theme Statements

Topic Example: Courage

Courage allows people to attempt difficult tasks in their lives

(Topic) (Assertion about Topic)

even when the possibility of failure is very high.

(Qualifying Clause)*

*when, because, unless, even, so that, whether, if, etc.

 

+Creating Theme Statements using Allusion

Topic Example: Temptation

Allusion: The Garden of Eden

The reference to The Garden of Eden suggests that

(Allusion)

giving in to temptation may result in tragedy even if the actions seems to be small and insignificant.

(Assertion about Allusion)

+Creating Theme Statements specific to a Literary WorkTopic Example: Death

Work: Cold Sassy Tree

In Cold Sassy Tree, Olive Ann Burns presents the idea (Literary Work) (Author)

that death is not only an ending but also a chance for a (Assertion about what the literary work teaches the reader about the topic)

new beginning when those who are still alive take the opportunity to learn from it. (Qualifying Clause)

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Step 1: Choose 5-10 topics from the list below or come up with your own.

Common topics for themes include:

Courage Honesty Unhappiness

Death Identity Wealth

Family Love War

Freedom Prejudice Respect

Friendship Trust Stereotyping

Growing Up Truth Sacrifice

Hate Violence Innocence

Step 2: Narrow down your list to one topic. What is the most important topic for your literary work?

Practicing Thematic Writing:

+Additional Topics