Thematic
Statements
What’s a Theme
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A theme is a common thread of a repeated idea that is
incorporated in a literary work
It is a message about life and how people behave
Universal- not just about the character or plot of the individual
novel
Usually inferred not just told
Revealed by how characters change in a story, conflict in the
story, and choices made by the narrator or other characters
Stories and Novels can have more than one theme
What is a thematic statement:
Statement showing what the piece of writing was about — not the
plot, but what sort of insight or perspective it gives on life/the
world/human nature?
How to write thematic statements
To write a theme statement, follow these 4 steps:
Pick a topic
2. Decide what does the writer believe about the topic
3. Write the statement about what you think the author
believes about the topic
1.
Picking the Topic
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Big idea the piece is talking/teaching/discussing
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Choose an abstract concept like unrequited love, freedom,
abuse, jealousy, self-pity, or fear of the dark that the work
explores.
Thematic Statement Template
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(Piece of writing) by (author) is about (theme) and reveals
(element or idea on the human condition).
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The central theme of (piece of writing) is (position on topic).
When (event from the story) happens, it results in (blank),
which demonstrates (some element of the theme).
Examples:
In 'The Dark Knight Rises', true heroism requires complete and utter
selflessness.
The central theme of 'Finding Nemo' is that fear is sometimes more
dangerous than danger itself.
The central theme of “The Road Not Taken” is the vast impact of
choices on a person’s life. When the narrator makes the choice of the
less traveled path, it results in a change in his direction leading him a
new way, which demonstrates how one choice can have a huge impact
on one’s life.
Theme Statement Don’ts
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Don't limit to specific characters or plot points. This
perspective on life should apply to people and situations
outside the story.
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Don't be obvious. "War is bad," is not a theme. Dig a little
deeper using details from the story. (What specifically is bad
about war? How does it negatively impact the characters or the
world of the story?)
Theme Statement Don'ts
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Don't make it advicey. "You should always be there for your
family," isn't a theme, it's a suggestion. Keep your theme
statement objective and based solely on evidence from the
story ("The bond between family can overcome any obstacle.")
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Don't use cliches. "Once a cheater, always a cheater," or
"Actions speak louder than words," aren't themes. They're just
expressions people use all the time and have very little power
or real insight.