Theme Statements
What is a Theme and what should it include?
A theme is the central message or idea of a book, paragraph, or sentence. The author tries to convey a message or idea about the subject. A subject can have more that one theme at a time. Often times the theme is implied, instead of being directly stated.
What is NOT considered a Theme?
A theme does not command us or tell us what to do. A theme is not a common saying, it is a more profound, original statement. A theme does not refer to the text, it refers to something more general, about universal ideas about mankind. A theme is not absolute, it limits itself to the majority.
What are the DO's and DON'Ts when writing a Theme Statement?
DO's
- Make an observation about the subject
- Make it an original and thoughtful thematic statement
- Make it general and about reality
- Make it reasonable, it should not refer to everyone in the story
DONT's
- Try to command the reader
- Make it a common saying, make more interesting
- Specify it to one part of the text
- Include everyone in the story
What are the steps to writing a Theme Statement?
- Write the title
- Write the author
- Write the thematic idea
- Write the theme Statement
Writing Thematic Statements
Example:
- In The Merchant of Venice Shakespeare shows that sometimes in life you make mistakes. The best thing to do is learn from them and try to fix them.
- In The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, we are shown an example of prejudice. Prejudice wedges itself between people and divides them.
- In The Merchant of Venice Shakespeare shows that true friendship consists of love and respect towards one another. It is this love and respect that drives human interaction forward.