How to Determine and Write a Theme

Statement

Authors write stories with a theme in mind.

A theme statement is a universal lesson that anyone reading the story or piece should learn; therefore, to be a theme statement it needs to be generalized.

general theme statements

For example: People should not try to please others by pretending to be something false.

Or People should not blame their problems on others.

Some stories can have more complex theme statements, but all theme statements are to be stated as general lessons learned.

A formula to help you determine the theme of

a story:

Remember the four C’s

Concepts- What are important concepts in the story?

Conflict- What conflicts are in the story?

Character-What are the problems the character is facing in the story?

Conclusion-What happens to the character in the end of the story?

First put the four C’s together

When you put the specifics of the four C’s from the story together you are getting sort of a summary of the particular story and the lesson learned in the story.

Then make it general for all people to turn it into a theme statement.

People often concept because conflict and, as a result,

conflict character almost or had happen; therefore,

the message learned.

Let’s try it for “The Queen and the Troll”

The concepts: emotions, family, love, change

The Queen is upset because the Troll is changing, growing

older, partying, and wanting to move out.

In the end they say they love each other

People often concept because conflict and, as a result,

conflict character almost or had happen; therefore,

the message learned.

Theme Statement for “The Queen and the

Troll” Families can fight because of change over time, and as a result can grow apart; therefore, parents and children should continue to talk and love each other through it all.