Theme = Universal Truth
The theme is usually something everyone goes through, a statement or a lesson about life.
Themes are “big ideas” in a story. A theme is a common thread or repeated idea that is incorporated
throughout a literary work. A theme is a thought or idea the author presents to the reader--what the author
wants the reader to learn or understand about humanity, society, or some abstract idea. Generally, a
theme emerges as the reader interacts with the text. The author utilizes the characters, plot, and other
literary devices to assist the reader in this endeavor. The ability to recognize a theme is important because
it allows the reader to understand part of the author’s purpose in writing the book.
Theme Statement Checklist:
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It must be a universal truth. Remember the “universal remote” – it applies to all
appliances in your room. Your theme statement must be a truth about life that can
apply to all people. “Power is a bad thing” is not a universal truth. Power can be
used for good and often is, even though it can also be abused. “Power can be abused”
or “Power can corrupt” would be better.
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It must be more than just a definition or something obvious. The theme statement
must tell us something important about the idea. “Power is control” is redundant and
non-meaningful. We already know that. “War is frightening” is obvious; “War
destroys or forever changes the lives of innocent people" is much better.
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The “big idea” of your theme statement must be related to a theme of the novel we
read, but the statement cannot contain the names of characters or events from the
novel.
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It must be original. Don’t use a cliché. “You can’t buy happiness” or “Live your life
to the fullest” are old and overused. Write something fresh!
Big idea #1: __________________________________
Theme Statement #1: __________________________________________________
Explanation of how this theme statement relates to this play:
Tragic Hero: a term first used by Aristotle, refers to a dignified or noble character who is central to the
drama who possesses a tragic flaw, a defect which brings about or contributes to the hero’s downfall.
The tragic flaw may be pride, weakness, or excess of an admirable quality. The hero recognizes his or her
own flaw but only after it is too late to change the course of events.
Discussion Assignment: What makes Oedipus the model for Aristotle’s idea of the tragic hero?
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What are the key definitions of tragic hero and tragic flaw?
Identify each character's tragic flaw. Use evidence to support your thoughts.
How is each character's tragic flaw both a flaw and a virtue? Support your claims with any
evidence from the play.
Do any of the characters in the play fit Aristotle's definition of tragic hero? How?
Which character is most likely to be selected as the tragic hero? Why?
Do any other characters fit the definitions better?
Big idea #2: __________________________________
Theme Statement #2: __________________________________________________
Explanation of how this theme statement relates to this play:
Imagery: words that appeal to the senses. When a pattern of imagery emerges in a work of literature in
becomes a motif. One motif in this play is the references to darkness and light, blindness and sight.
Discussion Assignment: Why did Sophocles use these images to develop the theme of Oedipus Rex?
Provide specific examples from the play to support your answer.
Explanation of how this theme statement relates to this novel:
Big idea #3: __________________________________
Theme Statement #3: __________________________________________________
Explanation of how this theme statement relates to this play: