1. Universal Themes
Theme:
In literature, a theme is a statement or observation about life, human nature, or the world in which we live. It is the author’s underlying message.

2. A theme is not the conflict of a story.
Some people write, “This theme is man vs. society.”
That is a conflict, not a theme.

3. A theme is not a statement about specific characters or situations.
A theme is a general observation or statement. Most often it has
UNIVERSALITY.
That means that the theme applies to most human beings even if they lived in a different time period or place.

4. Theme is not a moral
A moral tells us how to behave or what to do; it is meant to be instructive. A theme observes, weighs, and considers the actions of a character; theme avoids judging what a character should or should not do. Therefore, words like “ought” and “should” are not appropriate in a thematic statement

5. The theme is often expressed as a sentence or statement.
This is the
thematic statement.

6. How to Write a Theme Statement
identifying abstract concept &
commenting about the human condition

7. Step 1: TOPIC
Choose an abstract concept like unrequited love, freedom, abuse, jealousy, self-pity, or fear of the dark that the work explores.

8. Step 2: STATEMENT part 1 The _________ __________ by ___________
(genre) (title) (author)
Is about _______________________________.
(topic/abstract concept)

9. Step 3
Now, you need to state what the literary work asserts about this abstract topic. If a poem is about jealousy, ask yourself: what opinion does it express about the effect on humanity?

10. Step 4: STATEMENT part 2 The ________ _________ by___________
(genre) (title) (author)
is about ____________________________
(topic/abstract concept)
and reveals _________________________.
(assertion about human condition)

11. Step 4: Put It All Together!
The novel__”The House on Mango Street”__
(genre) (title)
by___Sandra Cisneros________
(author)
is about ___courage____________and
(topic/abstract concept)
reveals how it can be seen in unlikely people.
(assertion about human condition)

12. The following slides are examples of Universal Themes in Literature

13. 1. “Coming of Age”
Growing up; loss of innocence; the difficult, confusing or painful process of becoming an adult.

14. 2. Appearance vs. Reality
What appears to be real is an illusion. The desire to define or understand reality.

15. 3. Good vs. Evil
The battle between the forces of good and evil.
Often, good triumphs over evil.

16. 4. Alienation
The human condition which leaves one feeling alone, isolated, or disconnected from others.

17. 5. The weaknesses of human nature
Falling to temptations such as vanity, pride, greed, or corruption.

18. 6. The evil or dark side of human nature
People treating other
humans unjustly

19. 7. Personal or collective self-destruction
A people’s ability to destroy themselves physically or mentally.
Humankind’s ability to self-destruct.

20. 8. The indomitable spirit
Humankind’s ability to rebuild.
(“indomitable” means unconquerable/unyielding)

21. 9. Power corrupts
Losing one’s humanity in the vain pursuit of power, riches or success.

22. 10. Carpe diem
The shortness or fragile nature of life and the desire to “seize the day.”
Carpe Diem means taking advantage of the opportunity

23. 11. “Where no man has gone before”
The human desire to create, explore, find meaning, gain knowledge, or advance as a civilization.

24. 12. Love conquers all.
The unconquerable power of human love. The eternal quality of human love.

25. 13. Meaning of Life
The need to find the purpose of human existence.
“What does it all mean?”

26. Excessive pride or power, usually with a tragic “fall” as a result.
14. Hubris
Excessive pride or power, usually with a tragic “fall” as a result.

27. 15. “Rags to Riches”
From a humble beginning, hard work, self-sacrifice, and dedication lead to success.

28. 16. The cycle of life
Patterns of change: birth, life, death, rebirth and so on.

29. 17. Wisdom through suffering
Learning important lessons
the “hard way.”

30. Now You Try!
Write 3 original thematic statements on a chosen topic. Be prepared to share.