Theme statements The following is a list of common, universal topics: Topic alienation Meaning feeling alone or separate from the group pursuit of goals doing what you must to accomplish something hope and disillusionment anticipating something only to discover what you want is impossible reality and illusion what is real versus what you wrongly think is real tradition and change moving from usual, comfortable practice to new methods relationships how individuals get along in all circumstances censorship human interaction preventing the population from learning information that may harm them the importance of authentic contact with others To focus these topics to form the basis of interesting discussions, you first have to uncover their complexity. The following tutorial demonstrates one method of examining a topic to create a statement of theme.
1 Tutorial: Composing a Theme Statement To compose a well­developed theme statement, consider various aspects of a topic. Do this by asking yourself several questions.
What is the topic about?
Why is the topic an important issue?
Who does the topic involve?
How does the topic affect the average person?
What problems or issues arise because of this topic?
How does the topic affect the way society functions? ·
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For example, if your topic is the generation gap, you might ask yourself the following questions to gain an understanding of the topic and uncover some of its complexities.
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What is the generation gap?
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Why is the generation gap an important issue?
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Who does the generation gap involve?
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How does it affect the average person?
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What problems or issues arise because of this topic?
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How does it affect the way society functions? Your answers to such questions will quickly uncover the complexity of this topic.
2 Sample Procedure for Composing a Theme Statement Refining a Topic: The Generation Gap What is the generation gap? The generation gap is a separation (gap) of one generation from another because of values and beliefs. For example, parents who believe that education is essential to a successful lifestyle may push their children to succeed in school, college, and university. However, children may believe socialization leads to a successful lifestyle and may be content with mediocre grades in high school and no aspirations for post­secondary education. Why is the generation gap an important issue? Families are the basis of society; parents teach children fundamental values to succeed. If family members clash constantly regarding one belief, members will separate as soon as possible and the family unit will break down. Values essential to peace and harmony will cease to exist inside the home. Who does the generation gap involve? Parents and children, or individuals from successive generations who usually have a great deal of interaction and influence on each other. How does generation gap affect the average person? An individual who regularly does not agree with someone from another generation may think “survival of the fittest” resulting in one winner is the only way to solve conflicts. He or she may not learn the benefits of cooperation and may have a negative outlook in life. What problems or issues arise because of this topic? Individuals from different generations usually have opposing viewpoints and do not respect or even try to tolerate the other’s values. How does generation gap affect the way society functions? Individuals who resort to “survival of the fittest” methods tend to bully others to accomplish their goals. Appreciation of sharing, helping, and kindness are lost and daily routine becomes one with the battlefield. People may choose to cut themselves off from others to avoid an altercation, and thus will be deprived of the joys of friendship and togetherness.
3 After your question and answer exercise, you may be able to express the topic as an extended thematic statement, such as in the following example. Thematic Statement for The Generation Gap: When individuals of successive generations disagree about essential beliefs and values, the resulting gap in communication has a destructive effect on their relationship as well as how society functions.
Notice that the following thematic statements can apply to you or anyone in the world. Theme statements do not mention details from literature. Sample Theme Statements Long held beliefs and values rarely change unless stimulated by a dramatic event. When torn between two separate worlds, each with its own set of values, individuals must work to find their own true beliefs. A child's sense of identity comes from interacting with others. If no positive role model is available, the child may never reach his/her true potential. 4 The following chart has some helpful hints for writing statements of theme. Do… Well­Written Statements
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express the theme as a general comment on a subject. ·
express the theme in your own words. People with realistic goals tend to be more successful than those who put little thought into their future.
People who commit crimes may be punished in unexpected ways.
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express the theme as an insight into life. Gossip can cause serious damage to a person’s reputation.
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use qualifying words in a thematic statement, such as sometimes, can, may, and often. Poverty may transform honest people into criminals.
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draw a general insight from a character’s behaviour. Friends are not always trustworthy. Do not… Poorly­Written Statements
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express the theme as a subject or topic.
The theme is goals for the future.
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express the theme as an adage or familiar saying.
Crime doesn’t pay.
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express the theme as a moral.
It’s wrong to gossip about people.
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make a thematic statement too general. Avoid broad generalizations with words such as everyone, always, never, and all.
Poverty always causes crime.
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refer to specific characters in a thematic statement.
Montag learned not to trust others
around him.
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