Writing About Theme Mrs. Chausse

Writing About Theme Mrs. Chausse Freshman CP English

Identify big ideas evident in the text. Below is a list of big ideas to consider.

Alienation Faith/loss of faith Mobs Ambition Falsity/pretense Music/dance Appearance v. reality Family/parenthood Mysterious/stranger Betrayal Free will/will power Patriotism Bureaucracy Games/contests/sports Persistence/perseverance Chance/Fate/Luck Greed Poverty Children Guilt Prejudice Courage/cowardice Heaven/paradise/utopia Prophecy Cruelty/violence Home Reason Custom/tradition Illusion Repentance Defeat/failure Initiation Resistance/rebellion Despair/discontent/disillusion Innocence Revenge/retribution ment Instinct Ritual/ceremony Domination/suppression Journey Scapegoat/victim Dreams/fantasies Law/justice Social status Duty Loneliness Supernatural/time/eternity Education/school Loyalty War Escape Materialism Women/feminism Exile Memory

Determine what the writer conveys about the big idea. A theme statement should be able to apply to you or anyone else in the world

A theme is a general statement about life.

 Understand the author’s central purpose. Why did the author write this story? What comment is the author making about human nature?  Express the theme in complete sentences. “Love and rejection” is not a theme. It is a topic. Instead a theme states what the author says about love and rejection.  Describe the general meaning of a story instead of specific events, characters or actions. Do not use the names of characters in a theme statement. The specific information about characters, events and actions from the story should be included in your explanation and support of the theme statement.  Make certain the theme is true for the entire story not just a part of it. The theme must be true throughout the entire story. There should be no contradictions of the theme.  Avoid clichés. The theme should be a general statement about life stated in your own words.  Avoid “you” “one”, “should” ,characters’ names, vague and imprecise words Writing About Theme Mrs. Chausse Freshman CP English

Sample theme statements for The Odyssey by Homer

The theme of The Odyssey by Homer states that physical strength is less important than intelligence when overcoming obstacles.

The theme of The Odyssey by Homer states that success comes from craftiness rather than from physical strength.

The theme of The Odyssey by Homer states that cunning or craftiness results in the destruction of formidable enemies.

The theme of The Odyssey by Homer states that yielding to temptations will cause suffering.

The theme of The Odyssey by Homer states that obstacles are overcome through a love of home and family.

The theme of The Odyssey by Homer states that obstacles can be overcome through loyalty.

The theme of The Odyssey by Homer states that patience is rewarded.

The theme of The Odyssey by Homer states people who disrespect orders or disobey authority suffer grave hardships.

Grading the Theme Paper – An “A” theme paper will --- Introduction –  Include name of text and author  Include clear theme statement The theme of The Odyssey by Homer is that physical  Include plan for supporting theme  Include a hook to draw the reader in to the paper

Body paragraphs-  Support the theme with an appropriate topic sentence  Include direct references to the text, well chosen details, examples  Include well chosen quotes from the text integrated smoothly into the body paragraphs  Include lead to quotes- provides reader with information on context before quote appears Writing About Theme Mrs. Chausse Freshman CP English

 Include correct MLA citation – italicized title: The Odyssey cited lines (Homer l. 21-30) (l. 21-30)

Conclusion-  Provide a sum of ideas presented in the paper  Relate the theme to a larger idea than the immediate work  Leave the reader with something to think about

Mechanics, grammar, usage, etc.  Provide error free explanation of theme with varied sentence structure, vivid appropriate vocabulary  Create and sustains effective voice, tone  Assume reader of essay read The Odyssey; reminds reader of the essay of important relevant details from the text that support the theme statement. NO SUMMARY!  Avoid announcements “this quote shows” “for example” “is the theme” “this shows”