What Is a Thematic Statement?
A theme is explained in the simplest form as a general sentence known as a thematic statement. Creating it involves the use of all the crucial elements like plot, characters, and specifics.
The literature work may contain more than one theme. However, they are not directly specified but are implied. The audience should consider using all the elements to understand which theme seems to be implied.
You may be asked to write such a statement as a part of your course, thesis, or essay.
Purpose of a Thematic Statement
The main purpose is that it can help you interpret and write your work in two different ways:
- It decides a clear and simple interpretation before you start writing
- It provides a summary of your interpretation.
Characteristics of a Good Thematic Statement
A good statement must be general enough to capture the overall meaning of the work. However, it also needs to be specific enough to convey a unique interpretation.
An interesting and comprehensive thematic statement should have the following qualities:
- Simplified yet Comprehensive
Every text makes a statement or has a particular point. When creating a theme, you substitute a single sentence for the entire work. It means you have to simplify the meaning to get it into a single sentence.
For example, “Love and hate” is not a statement but a topic. Instead, a sentence like “The theme of the text is love and hate” is a complete sentence.
- Based on the Broader Message
The theme should describe the general meaning and not the specific events, actions, or characters. It is beneficial for the writer to express the central idea through word choice, structure, or other rhetoric elements.
It should also reflect the values of the entire work, not just in one or two lines, paragraphs or sections.
- Is Abstract
Begin by using abstract words for the purpose of stating the main ideas. These words usually describe the concepts that exist in our minds, such as love, passion, loyalty, etc.
For writing a theme statement, incorporate the abstract ideas with the comments reflecting the writer’s views. It will help to express his thoughts about the abstract idea.
- Doesn’t Directly Refer to the Characters
You shouldn’t mention a character in the text by the name. Instead, you should use the words such as a person, people, individual, or someone while writing a thematic statement.
How to Write a Thematic Statement?
There are no specific rules when it comes to creative writing. However, a few aspects can be described as desirable characteristics of a thematic statement.
Here are some guidelines that can help you in writing a thematic statement.
1. Read Thoroughly
Reading the entire work thoroughly is the first step before writing a thematic statement. Note down the writing style, characters, plots and capture all the human perspectives. It will assist in producing an original interpretation.
2. Identifying Conflict Areas and Central Ideas
Every story has a conflict of ideas. The main objective is to identify the values, motives, and interests that will help you identify the nature of the conflict. Similarly, it will also guide you to the central concepts and the values that form a narrated story.
3. Focus on the Core
Thematic statements convey the message of the entire work in a single sentence. Therefore, instead of talking about what happens, it is better to discuss what are the results of the happenings.
4. Capturing the Gist
You must have started imagining a clear picture of your story in mind by following the above-mentioned process. Try to craft a sentence containing all the facets of your story and then refine it afterward.
5. No Specifics
Getting into the details of what actually happened is not necessary. Instead, the thematic statement is the answer to why everything happened. It makes sense of all the happenings in a narrative.
6. Avoid Absolute Statements
Another important aspect is to avoid absolute statements unless you are sure about them. However, you can stick to them in cases where you are really and absolutely true.
7. No Moral Edict
Do not transform your theme into a moral edict. Rather, keep it in a way that reflects the real thought within the story. Also, avoid molding the original idea into something else.
8. Avoid Clichés
Try to be original by avoiding clichés. It is better to express your opinions instead of using a popular punchline.
Mistakes to Avoid While Writing a Thematic Statement
Writers usually make these mistakes while formulating a good thematic statement.
It Is Not a Moral, Command or a Directive
Such factors tell the author how to behave and what to do. Alternatively, a thematic statement looks at views and actions.
However, it does not involve judging what others should or should not do. Thus, avoid words like “ought” or “should.” It helps the writer to gain a general perspective about the behavior of a person.
It Has No Trite Sayings (Clichés, Maxims, or Aphorisms)
Themes reflect the complexity of life echoes in literary work. It should be original, interesting, and thoughtful in nature. Use qualifying words like “sometimes”, “may”, “can,” and “often”.
Avoid Referring Particular Names or Events
These statements do not summarize an entire work. Instead, it reflects what happens in the work. So, you should use more general terms by not referring to any particular names or events.
Avoiding Absolute Terms
Such statements should not include absolute terms because it indicates poor reasoning. Rather, they are prescriptive, without exceptions. Thus, express a theme in your own words. Such terms like “sometimes,” “we,” or “often” express a more practical outlook.
Don't Be Obvious
Stop being so obvious and always try to find more details from the story. For example, a phrase like “War is bad," is not a theme. Look for details like what specifically is bad about it or how it negatively affects the characters.
Don't Make It Advise
Try to keep your statements objective and based solely on strong evidence from the story. Do not make it sound like a suggestion or advice or an opinionated thesis statement.
Thematic Statement Examples
Some examples of the thematic statements are given below. Refer them to understand better.
- Nothing raises the veil off a man’s true character, like power.
- No matter what the odds, true men of character never give in to hypocrisy.
- Pride always comes in the way of finding true love.
- Absolute power originates from a methodical system of mind control, which feeds on individual fear and primal human weakness.
- Love is the only language every human being loves, and yet, the most misunderstood language.
Thematic Statement Template
Here we have mentioned a complete thematic statement to help you write one
This is everything that you need to get started with your thematic statement. If you get stuck during the writing process, you can contact the essay writer at 5StarEssays.com. They will do your essay.
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