The document discusses theme, how to write a thematic statement, and common mistakes to avoid. It defines theme as what a text implies about life or human nature. It says a thematic statement combines topics from the text with the author's observations about human nature. It notes that a theme is an observation, not a moral or command, and should be original and thoughtful rather than a cliché. A theme is also general about reality rather than specific to the text's plot, and uses terms like "sometimes" rather than being absolute.

1. What is Theme?
Theme is what a text implies about life or human nature.
A text can have more than one theme.
Theme is the “main” idea of a work; in other words, everything in the text should work
together to help communicate that idea. Nothing in the work should logically contradict the
theme.
How do I write a thematic statement?
Start by listing some of the topics of the text; for example, alienation, prejudice, ambition,
freedom, love, loyalty, passion, etc.). The topic can also be a longer phrase, however, such as
the relationship between love and hate.
Combine those topics with comments that reflect the author’s observations about human
nature. What is the author saying about those topics? What does the author believe to be
true about those topics?
How to avoid common mistakes:
A theme is NOT Instead, a theme IS
A moral or a command An observation
- It doesn’t tell us how to behave by using
words like “should”, or by commanding.
- It makes a comment about the way things
appear to be in reality.
A common saying Original and thoughtful
- It isn’t trite, it’s not a cliché, or a maxim,
or an aphorism like, “Actions speak
louder than words,” or “Absence makes
the heart grow fonder.”
- It should be something that you find
interesting, something a bit philosophical
whose wording you have come up with
by yourself.
Specific to the text General, about reality
- It doesn’t refer to the specific characters
and plot in the text.
- It translates the characters and plot into
generalizations such as “people” or
“parents” or “raising a child,” etc.
Absolute Reasonable
- It doesn’t use words like “all,” “none,”
“everything,” or “always,” because that
kind of statement is rarely true, and
usually impossible to prove.
- It uses terms like “sometimes,” or “often,”
or refers to limited circumstances, to
suggest a more realistic view of the
variety in life.
English 11
J. Turner

2. Evaluating Thematic Statements
Evaluate the following statements, crossing out those that would not make a good thematic
statement, and making a note beside them telling why that is. Highlight, or draw a star or
happy face for those could be appropriate thematic statements
o A brain transplant can show you who you really are.
o Accept who you are on the inside and on the outside.
o All mothers will break the law if the have to, to get their children back.
o Be yourself.
o Even though Evona knew it was wrong, she did what she had to do.
o Every child likes stories that have violent endings.
o Honesty is the best policy.
o Identity.
o Intelligence and careful planning can help a criminal get away with a crime.
o Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.
o Love triumphs over all.
o Montressor was cruel and cunning.
o Mothers.
o Murder.
o Never get between a mother and her child.
o Never trust someone completely.
o Nobody knows how much of their personality is in their body.
o People don't often like stories that try to teach them moral lessons.
o Revenge is a dish best served cold.
o Storytelling.
o The bachelor's story showed the importance of vivid details.
o The bond between mother and child can push some people to acts of violence.
o There is a complex relationship between our identies and our bodies.
o You shouldn't try to teach morals with stories.