Thematic Statement/Thesis
Statement Review
Defining theme—turn to pg. 6 in your resource
packet
 Theme is not simply a subject or an activity.
 Ideas and activities can be used to form a theme
statement.
 A theme must always be stated in the form of a
sentence.
How to Find Theme
(take notes in the white space on pg. 6)
 Steps to finding theme:
Determine the main idea/subject. EX: love, hate,
prejudice, betrayal, etc.
2. Ask yourself:
What is the meaning of this work?
1.
What is the author’s message about the idea/activity?
What basic truth concerning this idea/activity applies
not only to me but most of society?
What Theme is Not
(take notes in the Additional Ideas section of pg. 7
 A theme is not a moral or a lesson. (e.g. Respect your
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elders)
A theme is not a command. (e.g. You must always look
out for yourself)
A theme is not a cliché or maxim. (e.g. Absence makes
the heart grow fonder. Actions speak louder than words)
A theme is not a plot summary.
A theme does not use the names of characters or settings,
etc. (Must be a universal statement)
A theme does not use words like always, never,
everything, all
Thematic Statements for literary works—pg. 8 in
packet
 Sentence stems for thematic statements:
1. In _(name of work)___, __(author’s name)__ presents
the idea that ___(thematic idea)__ __(assertion about
what the work teachers the reader about the thematic
idea)___.
2. The theme of _(name of work)_ by _(author’s name)_ is
the idea that people (or we) often….
EX: The theme of Annie Dillard’s “Moth Essay” is the idea
that people who are dedicated to their art often sacrifice
every part of themselves to give that art life.
TDEC for Analysis Packet
 TDEC is an analysis chunk formula for short answer
questions and essays.
 T=Thesis statement and topic sentence
 D=details (evidence to support thesis)
Thesis
 A thesis should:
- directly answer the question/prompt and should use the
same verbs as the prompt and address the topic of the
prompt.
- address a relevant theme in relation to the topic.
- capture a tone that reflects the author’s purpose. You
accomplish this through diction (word choice).
Prompt: What is the theme of Annie Dillard’s
“Moth Essay”?
The theme of Annie Dillard’s “Moth Essay” is the idea that
people who are dedicated to their art often sacrifice
every part of themselves to give that art life.
Thesis Statements vs. Thematic Statements
 When your prompt is asking about theme, you’re just writing a
thematic statement.
 When your prompt does not ask about theme, you should still
address theme within your thesis, and you can also address the
device, etc. from the prompt
Ex: How does the author use symbolism to create meaning?
In her “Moth Essay,” Annie Dillard symbolizes the author as a moth
who has sacrificed itself in order to become a wick for a candle,
creating the idea that true commitment to writing requires
absolute dedication.
In her “Moth Essay,” Annie Dillard uses symbolism to present the
idea that true commitment to writing requires absolute dedication.
Instructions—complete this assignment on a sheet of paper. You will need to type
it up at home to submit to turnitin.com. Your written or printed hard copy will be
due next class.
 Brainstorm some thematic ideas for TSAR. There are
a few themes in this book, so you might think about
one you wrote about for your summer reading test.
 Create a thematic statement/thesis statement for the
following prompt: What is a theme in The Sun
Also Rises?
 Find and write out at least three quotes to support
your thesis. Cite the quote with the page number.
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EX: “Quote” (20).