1. Themes vs. Thematic Statements

2. Theme (Thematic Ideas)
The main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly
1-2 word labels
Examples:
Love and/or Friendship
War
Violence
Revenge
Appearance vs. Reality

3. HOWEVER….
Thematic ideas are not, in and of themselves, accurate representations of the complexities of a text.
We need to discover what is being said throughout the text as a whole.

4. Thematic Statements…
Take a theme/thematic idea and turn it into a statement (1 or 2 sentences), or commentary, thus highlighting the message within the text.
Thematic statements must be Universal
They must be able to be applied to other works from around the world.

5. Theme vs. Statement Examples
Example from The Hunger Games:
Theme: Fear
Thematic Statement: Uncontrolled fear leads to violence and regret.
Example from The Fault in Our Stars:
Theme: Love
Thematic Statement: Unconditional love withstands any obstacle.

6. Thematic Statements Do Do Not Express the theme as a universal comment
Expresses the theme in your own words
Uses qualifying words (can, may, often, etc.)
Draws information about a character’s behavior
Express a theme as a topic or subject (“The theme is…)
Express a theme as an adage/cliché (“Crime doesn’t pay.”)
Express a theme as a moral (“It’s wrong to gossip.”)
Make too general (“All people,” “Everyone,” Etc.)
Refer to specific characters (“Katniss learned to control her fear.”

7. Try your own: American Sniper Theme: War or violence Mean Girls
Theme: Revenge or friendship
The Hunger games
Theme: Sacrifice
Try your own: