Thematic Statement/Thesis Statement Review

Defining theme—turn to pg. 6 in your resource packet

Theme is not simply a subject or an activity.

Ideas and activities can be used to form a theme statement.

A theme must always be stated in the form of a sentence.

How to Find Theme(take notes in the white space on pg. 6)

Steps to finding theme:1. Determine the main idea/subject. EX: love, hate,

prejudice, betrayal, etc.2. Ask yourself: What is the meaning of this work?

What is the author’s message about the idea/activity?

What basic truth concerning this idea/activity applies not only to me but most of society?

What Theme is Not(take notes in the Additional Ideas section of pg. 7

A theme is not a moral or a lesson. (e.g. Respect your elders)

A theme is not a command. (e.g. You must always look out for yourself)

A theme is not a cliché or maxim. (e.g. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Actions speak louder than words)

A theme is not a plot summary.A theme does not use the names of characters or

settings, etc. (Must be a universal statement)A theme does not use words like always, never,

everything, all

Thematic Statements for literary works—pg. 8 in packet

Sentence stems for thematic statements:1. In _(name of work)___, __(author’s name)__ presents

the idea that ___(thematic idea)__ __(assertion about what the work teachers the reader about the thematic idea)___.

2. The theme of _(name of work)_ by _(author’s name)_ is the idea that people (or we) often….

EX: The theme of Annie Dillard’s “Moth Essay” is the idea that people who are dedicated to their art often sacrifice every part of themselves to give that art life.

TDEC for Analysis Packet

TDEC is an analysis chunk formula for short answer questions and essays.

T=Thesis statement and topic sentence D=details (evidence to support thesis)

Thesis

A thesis should:- directly answer the question/prompt and should use the

same verbs as the prompt and address the topic of the prompt.

- address a relevant theme in relation to the topic. - capture a tone that reflects the author’s purpose. You

accomplish this through diction (word choice). Prompt: What is the theme of Annie Dillard’s “Moth

Essay”?

The theme of Annie Dillard’s “Moth Essay” is the idea that people who are dedicated to their art often sacrifice every part of themselves to give that art life.

Thesis Statements vs. Thematic Statements

When your prompt is asking about theme, you’re just writing a thematic statement.

When your prompt does not ask about theme, you should still address theme within your thesis, and you can also address the device, etc. from the prompt

Ex: How does the author use symbolism to create meaning?In her “Moth Essay,” Annie Dillard symbolizes the author as a moth

who has sacrificed itself in order to become a wick for a candle, creating the idea that true commitment to writing requires absolute dedication.

In her “Moth Essay,” Annie Dillard uses symbolism to present the idea that true commitment to writing requires absolute dedication.

Instructions—complete this assignment on a sheet of paper. You will need to type it up at home to submit to turnitin.com. Your written or

printed hard copy will be due next class.

Brainstorm some thematic ideas for TSAR. There are a few themes in this book, so you might think about one you wrote about for your summer reading test.

Create a thematic statement/thesis statement for the following prompt: What is a theme in The Sun Also Rises?

Find and write out at least three quotes to support your thesis. Cite the quote with the page number. EX: “Quote” (20).