1. How to craft a theme statement
Theme Lesson
How to craft a theme statement

2. Begin with a subject Pride Love Power Jealousy Relationships Identity
Insecurity
Trust

3. Think about what you want to say about that subject
For example:
Title, genre, author analysis verb + subject expanded and what you want to say about that/those subjects.
The “Story of My Life,” a novel written by Em Ea, suggests that a life anchored in fear, unless purposefully redirected, will result in a life unlived.

4. Think about what you want to say about that subject
For example again:
Subject(s) – relationships, identity
In the novel, “Your life,” You Smores deliberates between trusting oneself or the opinions of others, ultimately suggesting that one’s identity may come at the cost of significant relationships.

5. Think about what you want to say about that subject
One More Example:
Subject: power
In the short story, “Sweat,” Zora Neale Hurston suggests that those who truly possess power are, ironically, those who do not wield it forcefully or use it to control others.

6. Theme statement "Formula"
Title, genre, author analysis verb + subject expanded and what you want to say about that/those subjects.

7. Now it’s your turn
Subject: Power Story: The Three Little Pigs Author: James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps With your group, write a theme statement, and be prepared to share out

8. Now it’s your turn again, but this time, as a group you will choose a subject
Subject: Story: The Three Little Pigs Author:James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps

9. Now it’s my turn again, but this time, I will choose a movie
Subject: Ambition or Dreams Movie: Nacho Libre Author(s): Jared & Jerusha Hess and Mark White The Hesses and Mark White contend that selfish ambition lacks fulfillment, but when a dream is pursued for the benefit of others it gives a person purpose.

10. Now it’s your turn again, but this time, as a group you will choose a movie
Subject: Movie (Story or : Author:

11. Okay, one more time, but this time, as a group you will complete this for all three stories:
Subject: Story: Author: