2.2.3 Statements of Theme

Read the tips below about how to write statements of theme.

Do...
Example
Express the theme as a general observation or comment about a subject. Love often has a positive effect on the human spirit.
Express the theme in your own words. People who commit crimes may be punished in unexpected ways.
Express the theme as an insight or observation about life. Gossip can damage a person's reputation seriously.
Use qualifying words in a thematic statement, such as sometimes, can, may, and often. Poverty can transform honest people into criminals.
Draw general insight from characters, when you can. Friends are not always trustworthy.

 

Do not...
Example
Do not express the theme as a subject or topic. The theme is love.
Do not express the theme as an adage (familiar saying) or cliché. Crime doesn't pay.
Do not express the theme as a moral (a decision about what is right or wrong). It's wrong to gossip about people.
Do not make a thematic statement too general. Do not use words such as everyone, always, never, and all. Beware of statements that make incorrect assumptions or are too general. Poverty causes crime.
Do not mention specific characters in a thematic statement. Marla learned not to trust her friends.